Magandang umaga sa inyong lahat. Ikinagagalak kong makasama kayong lahat sa mahalagang okasyon na ito. (Good morning everyone. It is my pleasure to be here at this significant occasion.)
It is a great pleasure for me to be back here for the second time. The welcome is even warmer than my first time. Thank you very much.
Today, I am here to present the Certificate of Commendation to the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (MKD). On July 31st of this year, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fumio Kishida, awarded this Commendation to MKD for its efforts in strengthening friendship between Japan and the Philippines through the promotion of Japanese language education.
Bill Clinton, former President of the United States, said "Globalization is not something we can hold off, or turn off...it is…a force of nature—like wind or water." Today, globalization is a given. Indeed, the history of mankind is a continuous struggle to reconcile different cultures and thinking. The process is arduous and messy, but the rewards are rich. That is why we are now at the stage of global community.
In this context, needless to say, the role of language is paramount. Rita Mae Brown, an American writer and advocate, said "Language is the road map of culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going."
Japan and the Philippines are island countries, geographically close, share common values, and our economies are complimentary. The first Japanese settlers, or overseas Japanese workers, came to Mindanao more than a century ago. Given such connections, it was a natural choice to establish MKD. But the vision to create and achieve the high standard of Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku is to be commended.
The establishment of the International School for the children of the Japanese descendants in the 1990s paved the way. An institution for higher education for its graduates was in demand. Two visionaries, Reverend Masataka Ajiro, who is here today, and Mr. Tatsuo Uchida, who is represented by his grandson, Mr. Yusuke Uchida, supported the endeavor. MKD was, thus established in 2002.
Now, MKD is producing a large number of Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) passers. The students have achieved 179 intermediate level, 18 pre-advanced level and 6 advanced level as of now.
MKD students have won more first place awards at the Japan Foundation Manila National Nihongo Speech Contest than any other college in the Philippines.
The graduates of MKD are working in prestigious Japanese multinational companies operating in the Philippines. Currently, a total of 33 or 80% of the Social Services graduates are in Japan pursuing the caregiver qualification under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA). I am confident that they will be successful with the education received at MKD.
Furthermore, MKD is advancing farther. Last year, MKD has launched the Japanese Language Education Conference which aims to share various teaching skills among the Japanese language teachers of the Philippines. As the slogan says, "MKD is the number one Japanese Language Institution in the Philippines." By reaching out to others, MKD will elevate its standard even higher.
The achievement of the MKD is all the more remarkable because Japan's relationship with the Philippines was not always smooth. The dark days of the war made it difficult to regain peace in the hearts of Filipinos and Japanese. The Nikkei Jin in particular were in a tight spot. However, our forefathers had the perseverance to overcome the tragic interlude. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is one such person. Conscious of Davao's shared Japanese heritage, Mayor Duterte has always been supportive to closer Filipino-Japanese ties. One tangible example is the Japanese cemetery of Barangay Mintal.
Of course the road does not end here. We need to build on our achievements and make further progress. As the famous French playwright, Molière, once said, "The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it."
The fact that this awarding ceremony is taking place at the Philippines-Japan Festival 2013 is very fitting. The theme of this year's festival is Philippines-Japan and Southeast Asian Nations Sharing Cultural Values toward ASEAN 2015. MKD is not only reaching out to Japan but also reaching out to the wider ASEAN region.
For Japan, ASEAN is a very important partner with which we have worked for decades to build "heart-to-heart" relationship. Indeed we are currently celebrating the 40th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
Last but not least, let me commend the professors and the staff, in particular, the leadership and commitment of its president, Mme. Ines Mallari, for their efforts which have brought about this memorable day.
Now, it is my great privilege and honor to present the Certificate of Commendation to MKD represented by its president, Mme. Ines Mallari.
It is my earnest wish that MKD will continue this laudable journey in the quest for friendship and cooperation, not only between Japan and the Philippines, but among the members of our global community.
Maraming salamat. (Thank you very much.)
