From the desk of the President
2017 is another fruitful and productive year for the PNJK Family. We welcomed the Okinawa group that consistently been visiting Davao City for over two decades to visit the different cemeteries where their ancestors and friends were buried.
In September of the same year we witnessed the visit of Mr. Mikio Shimojo. He is a member of the House of Representative in Japan bringing with him the information that a new law has been promulgated. This new law will benefit Japanese Filipino descendants and those willing to undergo rigid training in caregiving.
Officials of the PNJK, Inc. Davao Chapter participated the 58th Convention of Nikkeijin and Japanese Abroad held in Tokyo, Japan on October 23 to 26, 2017. At this juncture, we acknowledged the active participation of JPIC President Yoshihiro Tokumitsu to said convention. His presence was likewise visible during the 10th National Convention held in Malate, Metro Manila on November 4, 2017.
The 10th Convention was a success as this was jointly celebrated with the 209 approved shuseki petitions handled by the law firm of Atty. Hiroyuki Kawaii. The 2nd generation-abled nisei were there to personally express their deep appreciation to the lawyers that handled their petition. It was an evening full of mixed emotion—some were tearful as they are no longer classified as stateless, some were deeply touched with the gesture of Atty. Kawai who is more than willing to extend legal assistance and will continue doing so while still in the law practice.
The said convention was supported by the presence of HE Ambassador Koji Haneda, State Minister Atsushi Kuwabara and Counsellor and Consul Yoshio Kawauchi, including the officials from The Nippon Foundation, Miss Ikuko Okubo and Ichiro Kabasawa, Executive Director, The Nippon Foundation.
The highlight of this year’s activity is the State Banquet hosted by HE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in honor of our own President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Ines P. Mallari as head of the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku was one among the thirty Filipino invited guests. She was seated in a table together with the cabinet members of our Philippine Government and to name a few Mr. Carlos Dominguez, Finance Secretary, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and some senators. The state banquet was held on October 30, 2017, in Tokyo, Japan.
On December 15, 2017, HE Ambassador Koji Haneda and Madam Ihoko Haneda visited the PNJK Compound. Everyone were in high spirit when HE Ambassador Haneda came and delivered an inspiring message to the throng of students, faculty both teaching and non-teaching staff.
Indeed there is much to be grateful for in year 2017. We are hopeful that year 2018 will be another productive year.
Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla
PNJK Inc. President
