The High School Department is confronted with a very challenging season as the K to 12 curriculums gradually unfolds. We have now 1st year level coined as Grade 7 and the 2nd year level as Grade 8. Several changes are taking place most especially in the grading system because the grade/year levels like Grade 1, 2, 7 and 8 will now have letter-grade such as follows:
Advanced (A+) 95% and above
Advanced (A) 90% – 94%
Proficient (P) 85% – 89%
Approaching Proficiency (AP) 80% – 84%
Developing (D) 75% – 79%
Beginning (B) 74% and below
For a country like the Philippines we need to level up in the area of education so we can compete globally. Not everybody has the full grasp of this new curriculum but we in the academe are trying our best to bring the message of change to our students and parents.
This year the High School Department is blessed with 547 students, 141 of which are graduating.
On June 20 to July 4, 2013 our student named Eurel Bandoy, of 4th year level was the lone representative from the Philippines in the Japan Language Program for High School Students in Kinsai, Japan together with the other 41 students from USA, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries. It was an educational tour where learning cultural lessons such as Ikebana and Calligraphy was part of it. The whole delegation also visited the places of Nara, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Eurel came back to Davao bubbling over with her experiences which she will never forget in her entire life.
Last September 2 and 3, thirty-five (35) Indonesian educators came to visit PNJKIS as part of their benchmarking activities in the Philippines. It was a great privilege to accommodate them here in our school and exchange our best practices, concerns as well as our culture.
Our Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts remained to be active in participating the council’s activities. On September 9 to 15, thirty-eight (38) Boy Scouts participated in the Davao-wide Jamborette in Malagos. PNJKIS was awarded as 2nd Place for the Biggest Delegation. This month of November, it will be the Girl Scouts turn to have their Davao-wide Encampment in CampCorazon and we are hoping to have a number of girls who will take part.
During the 21st Recorder Ensemble Competition in Calinan, on October 5, 2013, PNJKIS-High School level bagged the 1st Place.
As an institution, we will continue to do our best in molding the lives our of students despite the very challenging transformations in the area of technology, behavior, attitude and views in life. It maybe very tough but by God’s grace we can do it.
As part of the 10th Anniversary celebrations, with the theme “Achieving bright future for the Nikkei Jins, the Philippine Nikkei Jin Legal Support Center, Inc. held such event considered special at Bay view Park Hotel, Manila, last November 03, 2013. Activities lined up on that day were as follows:
Newly Elected Officers of PHILIPPINE NIKKEI JIN LEGAL SUPPORT CENTER, INC. (PNLSC INC.) effective November 2013, were Chairman of the Board: Mr. Stephen Querico Buni, Board of Director: Mr. Norihiro Inomata, President: Mr. Juseven Austero, Vice –President: Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai, Secretary: Atty. Emmanuel Pacsi, Treasurer: Ms. Yuka Kanamaru, Auditor: Ms. Araceli Tan;
Updating Shuseki Projects: As of 2013, PNLSC Filed 13 Petitions, Approved 30, Withdrawn 4: Overall since 2003, Filed 173, Approved 101, Withdrawn 21, on going 41, Located 622 and since 2004 up to 2103 we have 30 approved Shuseki for Davao Chapter. Shuseki Filing Schedule
2012 – 175; 2013 – 13; 2014 – 20; 2015 – 20; Total: 228 Approved Shuseki as of 2013, Kyoko Watanabe (Davao City) Approved: June 28, 2013; Yaiko Toyama (Davao City) Approved: July 23, 2013; Hatsue Akaboshi and Sadako Akaboshi Approved: January 10, 2013; Matilde Fumiko Ogawa Approved: September 10, 2013
The program for the 10th Year Anniversary Celebration started with the singing of the National Anthems’ of both Philippines and Japan led by Mr. Ruben Darauay and by Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai respectively atty. Kawai welcomed the participants. An invocation was followed led by Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla (Secretary, FNJK). Mr. Norihiro Inomata (Director, PNLSC, Inc). Acknowledged the presence of invited guests such as Atty. Cris Villalobos (Acting Chief, Legal & Investigative Bureau of Immigration),Hon. Yuji Fuki (Vice Consul, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines), Atty. Roussel Reyes (Passport Director- DFA), & Mr. Akira Sekino (PNLSC Member). Mr. Sekino delivered his Congratulatory Message to those behind the success of PNLSC.
Ms. Ines Mallari (FNJK President) & Atty. Emmanuel Pacsi (FNJK Chairman) presented the Plaques of Appreciation to the following:
Atty. Hideshige Aoki (Board of Director, PNLSC) & Mr. Stephen Querico Buni (Chairman, PNLSC) on the other hand presented the Plaque to the Government Officials who were around. 2nd Generation Descendants had their own video Congratulatory Greetings more from those whose Shuseki Petitions were finally approved. We heard the talent presentation of no less than Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai as well a dance number from the Baguio Chapter members. Closing Remarks was given by Mr. Juseven Austero (President- PNLSC Inc).
PNLSC INC. will continue to uphold its mission in helping the war displaced Japanese descendants in the Philippines recover their identity and nationality, further, it commited to contribute the development and prosperity of Nikkei-jins and Nikkei-jin communities in the Philippines.
Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Family still couldn’t enclose the enthusiasm every time they prepare and celebrate the annual Philippine-Japan Festival. The jaunty celebration was the result of the consolidated efforts of the human resources from the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, PNJK Polyclinic, Japan-Philippine Volunteers Association, PNJK Polyclinic and Multi-Purpose Cooperative, students, parents and members of the community in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, Japan Information and Cultural Center, Japan Foundation, Tokyo Kichijoji Lions Club, Consular Office of Japan in Davao, Datu Uchida Development Foundation, Davao Japanese Association, JCCM, NISVA and JAM.
This year’s Philippine Japan Festival’s theme is “Philippine-Japan and Southeast Asian Nations Sharing Cultural Values towards ASEAN 2015”. Spearheaded by the school directress Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, the members of the Philippine-Japan committee dedicated much of their time just to come up with a very impressive and memorable celebration.
The week-long celebration started last October 1, 2013 with its medical clinic and blood-letting activity with a minimal fee of fifty pesos. The medical mission was organized by the PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostics personnel. The following day, October 2, 2013, the motorcade was done at 8:30 wherein more than a hundred joined the said motorcade. It was followed with the Kick-off Program which served as the avenue where one could take a look at the diverse cultures of Asia. The kick-off program showcased different presentations which started with the bee – dance from the cute and jolly preschoolers to the amusement of everyone. Traditional dances of Philippines and Indonesia, the hand mime, the Taiko and Omikoshi practice of Japan were presented by the PNJK family. The kick-off program was graced by prominent national and local personalities like Honorable Toshinao Urabe-Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Honorable Eko Hartono – Indonesian Consul, Honorable Abdullah Zawawi Tahir – Malaysian Consul General, Honorable Mabel Sunga-Acosta – Davao City Councilor, Rev. Masataka Ajiro – President, Japan-Philippines Volunteer Association, Japanese friends and visitors, members of the Board of Trustees of PNJKIS, DAPRISA Officers and members and other invited guests.
In the afternoon of October 2, 2013, was the Nihongo and Tagalog Singing Contest wherein pupils, students and employees showcased their knack in singing. The Nihongo Singing Contest was also participated in by contestants from other schools like Yagi Method Children’s Academy, Sekolah Indonesia, Ateneo de Davao, Holy Cross of Sasa, and Davao City National High School. Simultaneous with the Nihongo and Tagalog Singing Contest was a Lecture on Philippine-Japan Relations at the MKD AVR. The Eigasai and Filipino Movie Festival also started in the afternoon of October 2.
The Cultural Lessons were taught on October 3, 2013 where participants were given the chance to learn the cultures of both Philippines and Japan. The cultural lessons taught were the following:
Ikebana
Origami
Calligraphy
Japanese Food Cooking
Filipino Food Cooking
Laro ng Lahi
Yukata Wearing
Chopsticks Lessons
Eigasai
Japanese Games
In the afternoon of October 3, 2013 was the Inter-School Quiz Bee for High School, which was attended by eighteen (18) schools, Essay Writing Contest for College and On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest for the intermediate. A “Flea Market” was also organized at the PNJKIS baseball field. The garage sale ran from October 2-4, 2013.
The Nihongo Speech and Balak Contest was held in the morning of October 4, 2013 at the MKD AVR where contestants compete among themselves who is the best in speaking the Japanese language. Foreign students on the other hand showed their dexterity in speaking the local language of Davao in the Balak competition. In the afternoon was the Karate demonstration and Sumo competition that was followed by the Awarding ceremony held at the PNJKIS covered court. Simultaneously, the Omochitsuki or Rice Pounding Activity was also done. During the awarding ceremony, pupils, students, parents and members of the PNJK Family were already wearing their Yukata and Happi in anticipation for the much awaited “Bon Odori”. Pupils, students, parents, alumni, pnjk family and visitors, old and new, shared the same excitement and thrill even though some are no longer neophytes to the said ceremony. The “Bon Odori” is one of the highlights of the entire celebration of the Philippine-Japan Festival. It is the most anticipated ceremony of the entire PNJK family, parents, alumni and even students from other schools in the region.
The Philippine-Japan Festival 2013 ended with a triumph as elementary and high school students of PNJKIS bagged the second place in their respective categories in the Recorder Ensemble Contest held at PNJKIS Calinan Campus last October 5, 2013.
Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, head of the Philippine-Japan Festival 2013 planning committee was very happy with the turn-out of the celebration; saying that this year’s festival was a successful one because of the consolidated efforts of those people who poured out their time and effort just to have a successful program. She also said that, this year’s Philippine-Japan Festival is the most festive in all Phil-Japan celebrations. Truly this is an indication that unity could be achieved if respect to others culture is practice. To the PNJK Family, omedetou gozaimashita for a very successful Philippine-Japan Festival!
During the 34th General Assembly held on May 11, 2014, the following policies under the Mortuary Aid Program were approved by the members present, to wit:
Membership shall be on individual basis;
The mortuary contribution shall be paid annually in the amount of P300.00;
From the annual contribution of all the registered members, P50.00 shall be given in case of mortality to the qualified beneficiary of the deceased member as mortuary benefit, upon presentation of the death certificate;
The qualified beneficiaries to be written in order of priority in the application form for membership to the Mortuary Aid Program shall be the following:
Legal Spouse
Child
Parent
The computation of the mortuary aid shall be based on the total active members of the particular year;
The extent of the benefit that the beneficiary shall be entitled to shall be solely and exclusively as to the privilege to claim the mortuary aid of the deceased member;
Failure to pay the annual mortuary contribution of P300.00 shall cause the delisting of the name of the member and even if the applicant is non-descendant provided he/she is the spouse of the registered member the application to the program shall be accepted.
January 15, 2013 Minister Keizo Takekawa, Head of the Political Section of the Embassy of Japan based in Manila visited PNJK compound. He was accompanied by the former Deputy Director and Consul Hon. Kazuhiko Anzai and the current Director and Consul Koichi Ibara, Japanese Consulate Office in Davao City;
February 17, 2013 was the General Assembly of PNJK Multipurpose Cooperative. Elected Board Members are: Mr. Rodrigo M. Suemitsu – Chairman (Certified Public Accountant), Juseven T. Austero – Vice Chairman, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Tagud and Mr. Felipe C. Hiquial, Jr. as Directors;
February 23, 2013 – PNJK Inc. and JPIC joint meeting held at MKD Audio Visual Room. Present: Hideo Ito – President, Chokichi Hoshi, Vice President and officers Shinobu Murakami, Yoshihiro Tokumitsu and others;
May 16, 2013 was the 33rd PNJK General Assembly and election. Officers: Chairman – Rev. Bernardo N. Fernandez, Sr., Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla – President, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari – 1st Vice President, Juseven Austero – 2nd Vice President, Corporate Secretary Nelma N. Adachi, Asst. Corporate Secretary Carmen C. Apigo, Treasurer Anita P. Iwamoto, Auditor Rodrigo M. Suemitsu, P.I.O Elizabeth Tagud, Felipe C. Hiquial, Jr. and Adelaida S. Panaguiton as Directors. Oathtaking was before Hon. Koichi Ibara. We discussed and currently implementing the Mortuary Aide Program. This was disseminated to all members who were not in attendance during the General Assembly and those who are in Japan.
July 28, 2013 the Okinawa group headed by Mr. Gentaru Nakamura about 80 of them visited Davao City. Some PNJK Officials joined the Iresai at Mintal Cemetery, Wireless Public Cemetery, Tamugan Shrine and Lubogan Public Cemetery.
August 15, 2013 is the yearly Ireisai, the event was jointly sponsored by PNJK Inc. and the Consulate Office of Japan in Davao. Most of the Japanese residing in Davao participated in the floral offering.
September 17, 2013 the second PNJK Inc. and JPIC joint meeting. Reports regarding descendants who are doing well in Japan were heard including those who left the company. Financial reports were likewise discussed.
September 25, 2013 – Met Mr. Inomata and Atty. Zuniega with Mrs. Obuchi, Federation President Ines P. Mallari and PNJK President on legal concern such as the issuance of passports and travel documents.
October 2 to 5 2013 was our yearly Philippine Japan Festival. Ambassador Toshinao Urabe graced such occasion and took time to give lecture to the college students as well as students from universities and colleges in Davao City. The Consuls from Malaysia and Indonesia likewise attended the affair. Cultural lessons like ikebana, tea ceremony, wearing of kimono, use of Chopsticks, sumo and karate demonstrations were part of the celebration as well musical and cultural dances. Japanese speech contest participated in by contestants from other schools was held.
During that occasion our college was a recipient of certificate of Commendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister Fumio Kishida that was handed to MKD President Ines P. Mallari by His Excellency Ambassador Toshinao Urabe for promoting Japanese Language in Davao City.
October 5, 2013 – Kichijoji Lions Club Officials came and supported our Ensemble Recorder Competition headed by former Presidents Kiyohito Takigawa and Atty. Hideshige Aoki.
October 18 to 26, 2013 The Federation President Ines P. Mallari and PNJK Inc. President Antonina B. Escovilla visited Kagoshima, Shizuoka, Sendai, Fukushima and Tokyo to check and monitor the members of our association. Our members were encouraged to organize themselves so that they can be as strong as the Peruvians and Brazilians who are given a slot during the Kigyo kyokai Tai to present their accomplishment. If our descendants would be able to group themselves they can convey to the Japanese government their sentiments, appeals of whatever nature not only to be recognized as Japanese descendants but enjoy privileges which pure Japanese are enjoying.
October 27, 2013 in Davao City, we met the President of Nippon Foundation, Mr. Takeju Ogata who was responsible in giving the association the grant that paved the way to the erection of the Polyclinic building. All our colleagues in the Board were around to meet President Ogata despite the fact that it was a Holiday, being Barangay Election. Reports were presented to him as to the progress of the laboratory services, the list of occupants of the building, the number of patients that availed of the medical services as well as financial reports.
November 03, 2013 PNJK officials attended the 10th Anniversary of Philippine Nikkei Jin Legal Support Center. Present were some lawyers from Japan who handled our shuseki petitions filed before the Family Court in Japan. On that occasion, the Federation and PNJK handed plaques of appreciation to lawyers who appeared before the Family Court. On record from 2004 to the present we have 31 approved shuseki petitions including upgrading of families from Cat. B to Cat. A. Part of the 31 are two Miyata Ushita families from San Carlos, Cebu.
November 12, 2013 Mr. Akira Shibasaki and Kazuaki Nakada of the R & D Japanese Research Company commissioned by the Nippon Foundation came to conduct research on the descendants whose shuseki petitions were approved as well as inquiring as to the number of descendants who are members of the association, their whereabouts as well as records of those due for shuseki petitions.
Appeal to all: Remain loyal to the association. Cooperate in all activities and take note of your responsibilities to the association. Continue your patronage as the success of the association is the success of everyone. Thank you.
