As the Filipinos fondly regard May as “Flores de Mayo” and celebrate” Santa Cruzan” with beautiful Reyna Elenas’ parading the barangay streets , the Philippine Nikkei Jin from Davao, neighboring cities and provinces celebrate their annual reunion. PNJK conducts its General Assembly every 2nd Sunday of May. On May 14, 2017 at 9:30 in the morning, about one hundred twenty one (121) Nikkei Jin from Chapters of Tagum, Davao, Toril, Calinan, Digos and Kidapawan gathered at PNJK-IS gym to attend the 37th Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai,
Inc. General Assembly.

This year’s theme is: “Nikkei Jin Padayon sa Pag-uswag” whichmeans continuous progress.

The assembly commenced at 9:30 am with the Masters of Ceremony Mr. Felipe Hiquial opening the program proper followed by a prayer led by Ms. Adelaida Panagution offering moment of silence and prayers for the departed souls of the pillars of the association like the late Uchida Otousan, Rev. Fernandez,Gloria Okazono . The 1st Vice President Rodrigo Suemitsu acknowledged the participants and welcomed by Ms. Ines Mallari the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ms. Mallari welcomed and thanked the members and supporters of PNJK.

Business Proper followed afterwards with Ms. Carmen Apigoreading the last year’s minutes of the meeting. Among the important agenda last year were the meeting of the 2nd generation Philippine Nikkei Jin with their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, 9th National Convention of Philippine Nikkei Jin and Shin Nikkei Jin as members of the association.

The President, Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla reported on the PNJK, Inc. accomplishments. The consolidated report zeroed in on the different activities and accomplishments of the association like the interview of Cat. C Nikkei jin: Marumoto , Arakaki, Yoshimura, Nagata and Takumi families by MOFA headed by Consul Susumu Tsuda on May 23, 2016. The Testimonial/Memorial Service of the late Tatsuo Uchida on July 7, 2016. On August 13, 2016 celebrated Ireisai with Consul Ono. Human Relationship Seminar conducted by a Mr. Kazuaki Ishibashi a lecturer from Japan Creative Education Institute, Osaka on October 10, 2016 and from the 23rd to 27th day of the same month, Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla, Ms. Ines Mallari, Ms. Carmen Apigo and Ms. Anita Iwamoto attended the 57th Convention of Nikkei Jin and Japanese Abroad. The Rengokai President Ines Mallari reported on the educational program of PNJK-IS. The participants of the convention had the privileged of meeting their Royal Highness Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. JPIC President Yoshihiro Tokumitsu was also in attendance. On November 11, 2016 the participants of the Rengokai General Assembly were invited by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa for a dinner at his official residence in Makati City.
The opening salvo and most memorable event for 2017 was the visit of HE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Madam Akie of Japan at PNJK Compound on January 13, 2017.

PNJK-IS Calinan Campus is already on its 10th year of operation. The school’s future plan is to construct another building in addition to its already existing 10 buildings.

Padayon sa Pag-uswag

 

PNJK-IS Main Campus and Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku total number of students was 1,345 students and the total no. of graduates- 83 students. The most important accomplishment was the PAASCU LEVEL II Accreditation.

PNJK Multi- Purpose Cooperative has as total regular members of 1,193 for 2016 as compared to 2015 with only 1,084 members. Services offered by the Coop are Lending; LAMP (Loan Assistance to Members Program); Rice Trading; E-Load and Beauty Salon.

PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center: new equipment purchased was the Hematology machine. Laboratory services are: CBC, Blood Chem, Hepa test, drug testing, ECG, X-ray and Ultrasound.

Treasurer’s Consolidated Report succeeded the President’s Report. Ms. Anita Iwamoto reported first the PNJK, Inc. Financial Report followed by the PNJK-IS and Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and lastly, the Multi- Purpose Cooperative Financial Report.

The JPIC Coordinator Ms. Eve Obuchi read the JPIC President’s message in behalf of Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu. He congratulated PNJK on its 37th General Assembly and advised the members to remain loyal and supportive to the activities of PNJK as well as to choose the leaders wisely.

Ms. Eve reported on the JPIC up-dates: JPIC has 27 active members; JPIC will hold its election of officers on July 2, 2017; JPIC will continue to support PNLSC, Federation of Nikkei Jin Kai (Rengokai), Phils., PNJK, Nippi, Iloilo/Panay Nikkei jin Kai , Zamboanga Nikkei Jin Kai and JPIC Scholarship Grant.

After all the reports were delivered a Group picture was taken of all the Nisei. No election took place as there were only 11candidates present. The 11 candidates were unanimously declared PNJK officers for 2017- 2019.

The PNJK 2017-2019 PNJK officers are:

Ms. Ines Mallari
Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla
Mr. Rodrigo Suemitsu
Mr. Juseven Austero
Ms. Carmen Apigo
Ms. Anita Iwamoto
Ms. Elizabeth Tagud
Mr. Felipe Hiquial
Ms. Noellyn Fernandez
Ms. Ellen Ocharon
Mrs. Adelaida Panaguiton

Community Singing of Furusato followed by Sekai Wa Semai and a fellowship lunch ended the 37th General Assembly.