Author: Admin

Nov
30
2015

Visit to the Embassy of Japan in Davao City, April 15, 2015
By Admin

Leadership in an office or in any entity for that matter changes when so required. PNJK Inc. has its new set of officers after the celebration of the 35th General Assembly and Araw ng Nikkeijin.

Likewise the term of office of Hon. Koichi Ibarra as head of the Consular Office of Japan in Davao City came to an end due to his retirement from this office last March 18, 2015. Installed to take over management of said office is the Honorable Tomoko Dodo. She reported for duty last April 02, 2015 and the Consular Office in Davao City commenced in accepting visitors for a courtesy call.

PNJK, Inc. President Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, together with Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, President of the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku and the PNJK-International School Main as well as the head of the Philippine Nikkeijin Rengokai and Mrs. Carmen C. Apigo, School Principal of the PNJK-IS Calinan Branch and Officer In Charge of the Philippine-Japan Museum paid their courtesy call to the Hon. Tomoko Dodo on April 15, 2015 in the morning.

Exchange of information took place and Hon. Dodo is a very pleasant person to talk to. With her wide experience as a diplomat we are certain that the Consular Office of Japan in Davao City will continue to remain cordial to all citizens of Davao and the willingness to extend support more so to the members of the various association and groups one of which is the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc.

Continue reading Visit to the Embassy of Japan in Davao City, April 15, 2015

Nov
30
2015

“PNJKIS Calinan’s Nine-Year Journey towards the Road to Success” by: Carmen C. Apigo
By Admin

37“Remember the days, we set out together with faith?” the first line of the song echoed in the air. And as these children sang their song with tears in their eyes, memories of the past were coming back. It seemed like it was just yesterday when a plan of putting up a campus of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School (PNJKIS) in Calinan was made. Soon enough, a Japanese descendant-run school was finally built in Durian Village, Calinan, Davao City. In June of 2006, the first school year of PNJKIS Calinan begun. It started with only 7 pupils in Nursery and 8 pupils in Kinder with only 2 teacher Miss Cherry Grace Martil for basic academic subjects for Preschool and Mrs. Evelyn Jagmoc, for the Japanese language. The following year, Preparatory level was opened to complete its Pre-School Education. From then on, another level was added each year to continue what has been started by the first batch of enrollees.

After nine years of learning, it was with so much happiness to know that from a group of 8 Kinder pupils, now ready to face the next stage are 22 Grade Six pupils. Seeing these grown up children wearing their white togas brought back the times when they were still the little boys and girls, learning to readand write their ABCs and counting their 123s, enjoying singing and dancing, playing and running. Nine years went by so fast. Their most awaited day has come. March 24, 2015 marked another milestone in the history of PNJKIS Calinan. The first batch of graduates marched their way to the aisle. Everybody was excited for this was the first ever commencement exercise of the school. The members of the Board of Trustees graced the memorable occasion. This event was even made more special with the presence of the people behind their success, their teachers, friends and parents. A heartfelt ceremony was held to start the event with Rev. Father Elvie Bordios, DCD as the celebrant. It was followed by the graduation rites to which the students were presented to the President of the Board of Trustees and finally recognized as newly graduates of the institution. Fulfillment and pride were curved in their smiles as they received their diploma, awards and medals. Unspoken words of gratitude were clearly written in their face. It was enough to know how happy they were. Continue reading “PNJKIS Calinan’s Nine-Year Journey towards the Road to Success” by: Carmen C. Apigo

Nov
30
2015

PRAYER FOR PEACE
By Admin

Peace is the clamor of everyone all over the world. Conflicts within the same area and evenoutside the territorial domain of a particular region most often can be read in newsprint and social media. There is much to be addressed in order to contain these conflicts.

Peace-loving people continue to campaign for complete peace in every way possible but the most powerful weapon is prayer.

On April 01, 2015, at the Japanese Cemetery in Mintal, Davao, we witnessed a gathering of participants invoking and imploring from our Almighty peace not only in Davao but the whole of Mindanao.

The office of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. received a call from Mr. Nori Inomata, the Director General of the Philippine Nikkei Legal Support Center based in Japan that Rev. Minesaka Mitsue together with her group would be coming to offer prayer for peace. Arrangements for the conduct of such activity took place with the unselfish support of Captain Ramon Bargamento of Barangay Mintal. His office provided tent, chairs and sound system for the successful celebration of the prayer for peace.

During said occasion, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, President of the Philippine Nikkeijin Rengokai delivered her welcome address, followed by the interreligious prayers from Christians, Muslim, Indigenous and Buddhist groups. Rev. Mitsue of the Rissho Kosei Kai gave an inspirational talk that was translated in the English Language by Kazuko Suenaga. Her talk was focused on the happiness of the people and peace of mind. Before the conclusion of the activity Mrs. Aiko Tanaka, a product of the early generation gave an account of her experience before, during and after the war. She could vividly recall those unforgettable events that resulted in the progress of Davao City, then named Little Tokyo. So much could be learned from her that her presence was specially requested by Mr. Inomata.

As a closing remark Mr. Tomo Matsui of the Mindanao Children Library was called to share his experience in adopting abandoned children. Those who offered prayers are under his care and would soon leave should lucrative opportunity come their way.

At noon time, the group transferred to PNJK-IS Calinan Branch where the teachers headed by the School Principal await our arrival. Songs and dances were presented to the delight of everyone.

The Cat. C 2nd generations prior to April 01, 2015 were advised to come and as soon as they converged at the school gym, Mr. Inomata advised them to extend their patience as presentation of evidence linking their lineage to their Japanese ascendants entail a lot of work. Moreover, more convincing evidence must be gathered and presented before the Family Court to obtain favorable judgment.

All left Calinan with smiles and contentment. The Rissho Kosei Kai group left with memories they would forever cherish while the descendants are hopeful that in due time they can set foot in the land of the rising sun.

 We thank Mr. Inomata for facilitating the visit of the Rissho Kosei-Kai. Our heartfelt thanks to Rev. Minesaka Mitsue for giving us the drive to move forward in achieving peace and we thank Mrs. Tanaka for sharing her experience. Our profound thanks to Barangay Mintal under the leadership of Capt. Bargamento and to all who had contributed in the success of the holding of the event, the PNJK Staff, the PNJK-IS, Calinan Branch people with Mrs. Carmen C. Apigo as the head of the said entity. The Cat. C descendants who came and found time to be with us during that event, from the bottom of our heart thank you for your cooperation.

Continue reading PRAYER FOR PEACE