His Excellency Brother Armin A. Luistro, FSC,
Honourable Governor of Batangas Vilma Santos – Recto,
General Carlos B. Holganza, AFP,
Honourable Mayor of the Municipality of Talisay Zenaida S. Mendoza,
R. K. Shimizu Foundation Chairman Katsutoshi Shimizu,
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
I'm happy to be here with you for this ceremony.
The Irish born playwright, George Bernard Shaw said “Silent gratitude is not much use to anyone.” It looks like no one needs his advice here in Talisay. Also, I would like to express my appreciation to the generosity of all the people involved in this project to provide a better learning environment for Filipino children. In particular to Mr. Shimizu and the R. K. Shimizu Foundation. I would also like to commend the people of Nagasaki who have sent their representatives for this occasion for their help in collecting desks and chairs .
Education is a must in every society. The promotion of education results in the enhancement of people's competencies. Indeed it is the key foundation for the progress of any country. As John F. Kennedy said, “The human mind is our fundamental resources.”
There is no doubt about the potential of the Filipino. However, there are still many children who are forced to travel long distance to their schools and study in congested or dilapidated classrooms. The Government of the Philippines putting priority on education is extending the length of basic education and allocating the lion's share of the budget. The Japanese Government is supporting the Philippine Government by funding projects through the Official Development Assistance budget.
It is our job to promote social development and strengthen friendship between our two countries. However for Mr. Shimizu and the people of Nagasaki, it is not. That is why this initiative is all the more commendable.
To conclude, let me quote the words of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, a man who firmly believed in the potential of the Filipino people: “The youth is the hope of our future.”
Thank you very much for your attention and mabuhay.
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines