Sep

2015

“Can Descendants Present A Rightful Claim”

By Admin

BY: KASE BERNARDO/ BERNARDO N. FERNANDEZ, SR.

In my readings on the Dissertation for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Murdoch University, Western Australia, 1984 by HAYASE SHINZO, I discovered many historical information’s regarding The Economic Development done by the Japanese in Davao area, City and Province. Among them are the properties owned these Japanese Developers led by OHTA KYOSABURO and FURUKAWA, YOSHIZO. On pages 384-85 of this Dissertation we found.

APPENDIX 9
The following information with heading:
“A LIST OF PLANTATION COMPANIES IN THE DAVAO GULF REGION JAPANESE-SHOWN ON THE MAP IN THE CIRCLES.”

There were nine (9) Trading Centers of Ohta Development Co.
2. Fifteen (15) purchased plantations with total area of 8,195 hectares.
3. Fifty (50) leased plantations with a total area of 42, 926 hectares. These trading centers and plantations were established acquired between “1907-1918”, respectively.

One of these plantations is, THE PANGIT PLANTATION INC.,
Hijo Tagum, Davao, whose owner and major stockholder is our father, KASE MANJIRO. This was incorporated on 18th of December 1916, page 358.

This was granted to him by the Datu of Tagum, the uncle of our mother, ESPERANZA PANAMONGAN NAVARRO known in the community as “OGOI”. Thru her this plantation was granted to our father. To facilitate the ownership and cultivation of this property, “THE PANGIT PLANTATION CO., INC. was established with assistance of the OHTA DEVELOPMENT CO., Apart from the corporation our father and OHTA KYOSABURO had an INTERNAL AGREEMENT regarding the development of the plantation. I saw this AGREEMENT but I cannot read it because it was written in Nihongo. It was kept by our Japanese brothers-in-law YAMASHITA, KAKUZO who took over the management of the plantation after the death of our father. This Internal Agreement was lost during the war.

There are other plantations like that of our father and these Japanese owners have descendants like us who may not know this historical information.

There are also parcels of land developed by the Japanese thru “Pakiao” system. However, be it purchased or leased or Pakiao system, the properties were owned and developed by these Japanese developers; fruits of their toil and struggle.

I’m making this presentation addressed if it is worthy to be considered to the Japanese government through its appropriate Agency. Then, if this has its worth to consider, we request our PNJK legal counsel to assist us.

The ISSUE in this case is:

Our Japanese Ancestry came to Davao for economic development and progress, 1907-1941 which they succeeded.

The Japanese government declared war against the United States of America occupying the Philippines for three years and nine months December 1941 to August 1945. These Japanese developers had nothing to do with the WAR. It just happened that they are Japanese citizens. Japan lost the war. The Philippine government confiscated the properties owned and developed by the Japanese civilians.

These Japanese civilians have children by their Filipino wives and we are among them. We were destined to be the HEIRS of these properties.

Now, CAN WEM THE DESCENDANTS NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CLAIM OUR INHERITANCE OWNED AND DEVELOPED by our Japanese Fathers?

I honestly believe that the rightful and legitimate Descendants of these Japanese Developers who own the cultivation of the Plantation either purchased, leased or PAKIAO system have the moral and legal right to CLAIM for COMPENSATION of the LOST INHERITANCE destined for them to receive from their Japanese Fathers/ Ancestors. They are VICTIMS of the WAR between the Japan and United States of America.

May I reiterate that they had NOTHING TO DO with the WAR. Their only FAULT if there is, is that they are Japanese citizens. Japan lost the WAR.

I’m requesting other Descendants whose fathers have property for them to inherit were it not for the WAR to come to our PNJK OFFICE so that we can verify your claim. I’m using the Plantation of our Father as an EXAMPLE.

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS US ALL.

Sep

2015

“Unveiling of Philippine Japan Friendship Monument”

By Admin

A LANDMARK IN THE NAME OF GENUINE HARMONY AND ACCORD

by: Ruben Pascua

Every passerby couldn’t help but view the towering statues of individuals at the main entrance of the PNJK compound – The Philippine – Japan Friendship Monument at Angliongto Avenue, Lanang Davao City. Since its blessing and unveiling to the public last October 3, 2012, the monuments have been attracting a lot of people to come closer and take pictures of these gigantic statues that remind each and everyone of the mutual relationship between Philippines and Japan.

Sculpted by one of the finest artists we have in this country, Kublai Milan; the Philippine – Japan Friendship Monument which costed an estimated amount of 1.2 million pesos shared by the four entities – Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku and PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostics Center depicts the meeting of varied cultures, diverse thoughts and assortment of rituals. It gives us a clear picture that despite the diversities, Philippines and Japan relationship has paved the way to a more thorough awareness, understanding and more sincere appreciation of the other members of the global village. The monument is a valid testimony of our willingness to create a union with humanity and because of these union, we have achieved progress as an institution.

“Giving credit to where credit is due,” Inside the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (MKD) compound are two other monuments. The administration of PNJK has thought of giving much value to the support of Masataka Ajiro, Sensei Datu Tatsuo Uchida and in honor and memory of his wife Ayako Uchida by constructing monuments that show their sincerity to establish an institution of learning that would become an asset to the community. These two benevolent benefactors of this institution are very much instrumental to the growth of PNJK.

The unveiling and blessing of said monuments was officiated by Rev. Bernardo N. Fernandez Sr. and attended by local government officials, Honored Japanese guests and visitors, members of the PNJK family, students, parents and media people.

The message of Rev. Fernandez tells us that the Philippines – Japan Monument tells us that peculiarities are set aside and personal interests are relegated, all in the name of genuine harmony and accord. The contributions of Philippines and Japan to the community or to the world are the products of our glorious past. Our mutual relationship with the other members of the global vllage affords us the honor to live harmoniously with the entire human race.

Sep

2015

“Ireisai 2012”

By Admin

REMEMBERING THEM

By: JOAN MAE SOCO-BANTAYAN,RUBEN B. PASCUA and THE DAILY MANILA SHIMBUN

“…it is for us the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they…here have thus far so nobly advanced…”

– Abraham Lincoln “Gettysburg Address”

It was on a clear and pleasant day of August 11, 2012 when the Administration, faculty, staff and employees of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Japan Philippine Volunteers’ Association, and Japanese Consular Office together with the Filipino-Japanese descendants from different chapters have trooped in exodus towards a common destination – The Japanese Cemetery at Mintal, Davao City for “Iresai” under a prominent acacia tree that shades the memorial obelisk built for Japanese who had lived during the glorious days of the Davao Kuo.

As a brief history, in the year 1903, Ohta Kyusaburo (Ota Kyozaburo) arrived in Davao and built in the area of Mintal large abaca plantations including the establishment of Mintal cemetery for fellow Japanese nationals. By 1939, the Japanese had established various enterprises all over Davao and the place was branded as Davo Kuo.

The World War II ripped almost everything that had been built and many Japanese individuals, including children from inter-marriages of Japanese and Bagobo, had no choice but to go hiding in the remote areas of Davao due to anti-Japanese sentiments that roused during the American rule.

The annual memorial service has once again united the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai family in honoring the dead individuals who have struggled and dedicated their lives for the realization of the desire of progress in this city.

The ceremony was organized by the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc. and The Consular Office of Japan in Davao and it was officiated by Reverend Bernardo N. Fernandez Sr. whose message to the attendees was to continue the work that these honored men have started and also strengthen the ties between Filipinos and Japanese.

The programme started by singing the hymn of faith and followed by an invocation led by Mrs. Adelaida S. Panaguiton. Flowers were offered by the different Filipino and Japanese organizations and Nikkei-Jin chapters. In 2009, Mintal was declared as Japanese heritage site by the local government. “The arrival of the Japanese in Mintal and the whole of Davao brought us wonderful history that is of great significance to its people. Now, after the world war, time has shown us how it heals the wounds of the past and makes us look forward to a brighter future.” As mentioned by Honorable Ramon S. Bargamento of Barangay Mintal in his message.

“I hope the breeze that blows in this acacia tree planted by our fathers, grandfathers, or great grandfathers will continue to welcome us in this place as we remember their lives…let us also express gratitude to those who established that bridge between Japan and Davao before the war, regardless of ethnicity and nationality.” These are the thoughts conveyed by Honorable Consul Kazuhiko Anzai of the Japanese Consular Office in his speech.

It is but fitting and proper to devote and dedicate a portion of our time for those who have done something for the betterment of our society and if ever there are unfinished works, the living should be the one to continue what they have started.

It was almost twelve noon when the memorial service ended and all attendees have left the place with a promise to live up the messages relayed by reverend Fernandez, Hon. Ramon Bargamento and Hon. Consul Kazuhiko Anzai.

To end, let us be reminded by this quote which I took from the Daily Bread “Life’s fleeting days will soon be over when death ends all that’s gone before; yet life in Christ continues still, for all who lived to do His will.”

Sep

2015

“Philippine-Japan 2012”

By Admin

2 BECOME 1

by: Ruben Pascua

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.” Romans 14:19

Members of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Family still couldn’t contain our excitement everytime we prepare and celebrate the annual Philippine – Japan Festival. The gathering of human resources from the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Incorporated, Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Japan – Philippine Volunteers Association, Students, parents and members of the community has resulted to another jovial celebration where the meeting of two diversed cultures have once again cemented our friendship and unity as members of the Phillipine Nikkei Jin Kai Family.

The theme of this year’s Philippine –Japan Festival is “Strengthening the Historical Bonds through Reciprocal Sharing of Cultural Values.” Headed by the ever-competent school President, Judge Antonia B. Escovilla, the members of the RP-Japan working committee had dedicated much of their precious time in order to come up with a celebration that would somehow leave a remarkable impression from those who came here and joined in the celebration.

The celebration started with a medical mission organized by the PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostics personnel last October 2, 2012. The Kick-off Program last October 3, 2012 is the avenue where we could have a glimpse of the varied cultures that even Tourism Officer, Art Bungcato mentioned in his speech “It’s more fun in PNJK!” Truly it was a programme showcasing the traditional dances of Philippines and Indonesia, the “Taiko and Omikoshi” practice of the Japanese, and the Modern Hip-hop dances all presented synchronically and choreographed well by students, faculty and personnel of PNJK Family. One of the highlights during the kick-off program was the unveiling and blessing of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Monument situated at the main entrance of the PNJK Campus, and two other monuments inside the MKD compound. A fellowship lunch was held at the MKD skygym after the blessing of the monuments. Present during the kick-off program were Hon. Kazuhiko Anzai – Japanese Consul, Mr. Petrus Pati – Principal of Indonesian School, Mr. Art Bungcato- Tourism Officer of Davao City, Hon. Ramon Bargamento – Barangay Chairman of Mintal, Japanese friends and Visitors, members of the Board of Trustees of PNJKIS, friends from the media and other invited guests.

The programme in the afternoon of October 3, 2012 shifted to musical wherein pupils, students and employees displayed their singing prowess in the Nihongo and Filipino Singing Contest held at the PNJKIS gym.

October 4, 2012 was reserved for the Cultural Lessons in the morning wherein participants and attendees were given the opportunity to learn the cultures of both Philippines and Japan. The following cultural lessons were taught:

Ikebana
Japanese Dance (Tanko Boshi and Tokyo Ondo)
Handicraft
Origami
Philippine Food Cooking
Calligraphy
Laro ng Lahi
Chopsticks Lessons
Yukata Wearing
Eigasai
Cutting Paper
Tea Ceremony

There were dance competitions in the afternoon of October 4, 2012. A “Flea Market” was also organized at the PNJKIS Open field where there was selling of clothes and other items at a cheaper price. The grage sale ran from October 3 – 5, 2012.

The Nihongo Speech and Balak Contest was held in the morning of October 5, 2012 at the MKD sky gym, contestant vie among themselves who is the best in speaking the Japanese language and “Balak”. In the afternoon, there was the Karate demonstration and Sumo Wrestling competition that was followed by the Awarding ceremony held at the PNJKIS gym.

Pupils, students and members of the PNJK Family started to wear their Yukata and Happi during the awarding ceremony in anticipation for the “Bon Odori.” Those who have been attending the festival shared the same thrill and excitement with those who are first-timers, it is because the “Bon Odori” is one of the highlights of the Philippine – Japan festival. It is also during this program that we gained new friends and renew friendships from our former colleagues who took time to visit and celebrate with us every year.

“All is well that ends well.” We have ended the Philippine-Japan festival 2012 with a victory note as our pupils and students who represented PNJKIS in the Annual recorder Ensemble Competition brought home the bacon by winning first runner-up and champion in their respective categories.

According to the Head of Philippine – Japan festival 2012 Planning Committee, Judge Antonina B. Escovilla in her closing remarks, this year’s festival wouldn’t be that successful if not for those people who poured efforts and sweat it out for the success of the program. This is a clear indication that with our concerted efforts we would be able to overcome any obstacles, that our unity will always be the key to success, and if we continue to respect the culture of each other, then we would become a more progressive institution.

Congratulations to all members of the Philippine – Japan festival 2012 working committee and we would also like to extend our gratitude to the people who came and celebrated with us. Till we meet each other again.

Sep

2015

“Annual Memorial Service”

By Admin

Annual Memorial Service

15^th August, 2013 @ Mintal Cemetery

By: Koichi Ibara

Director and Consul of Japan in Davao

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning!!!

As I can see many representatives and members from Japanese community, please allow me to speak in Japanese as well as in English.

First of all, I would like to thank all of you for having joined us in our Annual Memorial Service this morning. I cannot help but to feel humbled and solemn today as I look back together with you on the past and envisage the future.

It was more than a century ago when the relationship between Japan and Davao began. The earliest record of the arrival of Japanese settlers in Davao was in 1903. Davao, with its flourishing Abaka industry, eventually became the destination of many Japanese nationals as the land of hope for a brighter future.

Due to the dedication of these early Japanese settlers who worked hard together, they prospered and became successful. They also helped Davao achieve economic growth through their robust economic expansion at that time.

But the entry of Japan into the war in 1941 changed the entire situation. The people of the whole nation including those in Davao became witnesses to the most tragic episode in the history of Japan-Philippine relationship.

The relations of goodwill which had been created by the Japanese and local communities in Davao totally collapsed. The Philippines, however, became one of the first countries in Asia which warmly welcomed and received Japan’s renewed friendly policies after the war.

On this occasion, I would like to express, on behalf of the people of Japan, my deep gratitude to the people of the Philippines for the generosity, noble spirit of reconciliation and hospitality.

Under the most amicable bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines, we are here this morning to remember and honor our ancestors who have gone before us prior to the war.

I just would like to bring to your knowledge that around 80 Japanese people from the Okinawa Davao Friendship Society and the Association of Bereaved Families in Okinawa visited this cemetery on 28^th July and, with the kind cooperation extended by PNJK, they held the memorial service and offered their prayers.

It was both humbling and inspiring to see a group of so many people coming here all the way from Okinawa and keeping up the tradition of remembering and honoring their departed ancestors.

As I stand here today, I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to co-organize this year’s Memorial Service to honor and express our respect to those forefathers who built the bridge of friendship and goodwill between Japan and Davao during the prewar period.

I hope we will continue to work together as friends and partners in overcoming the challenges ahead and in renewing our noble sense of mission of offering our prayers to the soul of our ancestors.

I have no doubt whatsoever that we will all be able to continue walking ahead together, like our forefathers before us, on the road towards further prosperity and success.

I would like to conclude this speech by expressing again my heartfelt appreciation to all the people who have attended this significant Memorial Service this morning.

Thank you very much.