Category: Board of Directors

Dec
20
2017

From the desk of the President
By Admin

From the desk of the president2017 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

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Jun
30
2017

37th General Assembly by: Evelyn Obuchi
By Admin

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          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.
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Padayon sa Pag-uswag

 

PNJK-DSC_0406IS 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.

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Jun
30
2017

From the Desk of the PRESIDENT
By Admin

17274701_10154158734901058_1044978967_n       PNJK Family is so blessed. We started the New Year with the visit of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the school compound. He was accompanied by his wife Madam Akie and other government officials attracting crowds coming from nearby areas. We were the center of envy by those who were desirous of shaking hands with the highest official of Japan. All of us, the management, faculty, staffs, students and parents were unmindful of people who came to see the Prime Minister. We were aghast by his friendly gesture, his approach to the students, to PNJK 2nd generation members and giving some of his precious time in observing a Nihongo class composed of the 3rd year college students of MKD.
This is one event that we will all cherish. It is embedded in our minds – an event that can be transmitted to our next generation as this rare occasion would never take place in the coming generations.
As our friendly relations with Japan continue, we are proud to state here that one member Oligario Nagata, 70 years old, has finally been given recognition as the child of a Japanese national. Oligario Nagata never expected this to happen but he was so lucky that after more than six decades of waiting he can state with certainty that patience and prayer had paid off. We are grateful to agencies that assisted him in this project. The Nippon Foundation, the PNLSC, the JPIC and PNJK in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan are the agencies responsible in making his dream a reality.
Earlier this year other Category C nisei were likewise given the same favorable judgment from the Family Court in Japan and they are Lucio Mekaru and Prisca Mata.
With the cooperation of our partners in Japan, PNJK officials will continue to conduct fieldwork aimed at gathering evidence for our Category C members. They longed to be recognized. All are hoping that their plea for recognition just like Oligario San will soon come their way. This too is the goal of the management. We can do this in cooperation with our partners in Japan.

“A Dream Come True…Approved Shuseki”

Oligario Nagata was born on September 23, 1945, in Sirib, Calinan, Davao City. He is a Nisei being the son of a Japanese national. Unfortunately, he only came to now his Japanese father as Nagata. Not much could be disclosed as to the personal background of his father thus Mr. Nagata has been classified as Category C descendant. PNLSC, however, is patiently researching every possible place that could help Mr. Nagata in establishing his affinity with his Japanese father. With very limited evidence, PNLSC through its lawyer filed shuseki petition before the Family Court in Japan. In August 2013, Mr. Nagata went to Tokyo, Japan for the first time to testify in Court. The petition however did not merit favorable judgment advancing as reason lack of evidence.

       In the intervening events, the officers of Rengokai together with other chapters under it sought assistance from the Ministry of Foreign including the media to take the plight of the descendants seriously as they are certainly children of the Japanese nationals and are likewise entitled to be recognized as such.

          Through the help of The Nippon Foundation the officers of the Rengokai and some officials from different chapters were able to have an audience with His Excellency Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the year 2015 submitting to him documents containing more than 27,000 thousand signatures supporting the clamor of the descendants to be recognized.

              As a result of the joint effort of everyone, The Nippon Foundation, PNLSC, Rengokai, the Media and other sectors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ultimately submitted to our request. In May of 2016, it started sending consuls from Manila first to Davao City, where everyone had the opportunity in meeting Consul Susumu Tsuda. He came to interview the Category C descendants. One of those interviewed was Oligario Nagata.

            After his interview, the lawyer assigned to his case Atty. Kazuki Sato once more filed the shuseki petition before the Kumamoto family court in September 27, 2016. Kumamoto is Oligario Nagata’s father domicile. All are excited to hear the result of the second petition filed in September 2016.

             The good news came on April 3, 2017 where the petition of Mr. Nagata was given due course. He is now a Japanese national and can enjoy life in Japan just like any other Nihon jin thereat.

               Congratulations to Mr. Nagata, Atty. Sato of the PNLSC, the staff of PNLSC, The Nippon Foundation and the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Davao City Chapter under the Federation for a job deserving of recognition.

Minnasan omedetou.
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Nov
30
2016

From the Desk of the President
By Admin

  17274701_10154158734901058_1044978967_nAs the saying goes, when it rains, it pours profusely.

             2016 had been quite a fruitful and memorable year.  We started the year with a momentous event, that of meeting with Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan. All 2nd generation or Nisei coming from different cities in the Philippines were grouped at the lobby of Sofitel, Metro Manila, where they were privileged to converse with Their Majesties who appreciated their presence and acknowledged them to have been the bridge of the two countries, Japan and the Philippines. We have maintained the cordial relationship of the two countries as the nikkeijins continue to contribute to the progress and development of our country.

Then in May 2016, the Embassy of Japan visited various cities in the Philippines and conducted interviews of the 2nd generation or Nisei as to their affiliation with their Japanese forefathers. Davao City was the first place visited by no less than the Counsellor and First Consul of the Embassy of Japan, Hon. Consul Susumu Tsuda.

We also successfully observed the General Assembly of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Davao City Chapter on May 14, 2016, with the active participation of members mostly from the far-flung areas.

The officers of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Davao City Chapter together with some members in Baguio City attended the 57th Convention of Nikkei and Japanese abroad in Tokyo, Japan where our Rengokai President Ines P. Mallari was given the opportunity to share the educational program of our institutions in Davao City.

Later in the year, on November 11, 2016, the General Assembly of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai was held in Manila, and the participants were privileged to be invited by HE Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa at his residence. There were Philippine government officials who were invited to the Welcome Party hosted by Amb. Ishikawa, and exchange of pleasantries took place between the Nikkeijins and the said officials.

Finally on December 1, 2016, the PNJK Officials and different heads of the PNJK Family were invited to attend the Emperor’s Birthday or the National Day of Japan at SMX Convention Center which was hosted by HE Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa. The special guest of honor was no less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. All nikkeijins who were around had the privilege to have a photo opportunity with President Duterte, who was so gracious in accommodating the request of the PNJK Davao City Chapter to have a photo opportunity with him.

In year 2016 there were four (4) approved shuuseki petitions. The lucky members of our association who now are equipped with their family registration are: Francisco Asajiro Okamoto, Nicanor Fujikawa, Victorio Itou and Felicitas Toyoda.

While we are ecstatic with the rare occasions earlier mentioned, we are saddened by the death of one of our generous and steadfast supporter as far as our education program is concerned, in the person of Mr. Tatsuo Uchida, the foster father of our official Mrs. Ines P. Mallari and adopted brother of Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla. He was the biggest contributor to the progress and development of PNJK Family and may he rest in peace with his wife Ayako Uchida.

Escovilla, Antonina
Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla
PNJK Inc., President

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Nov
30
2015

“REPORT ON THE TRIP TO JAPAN TO APPEAL TO THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT” Inclusive date: July 20~24, 2015 by: Mrs. Ines P. Mallari
By Admin

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Objective: To make an appeal to the Japanese Government for the Recognition of the remaining 282 Second generation unrecognized Japanese descendants, on the occasion of the 70th Year Anniversary after the War.

July 20 – I arrived in Manila with Judge Antonina B. Escovilla and met with the other members of the delegation, former Federation Presidents, Mr. Carlos Teraoka and Mr. Ben Onari; Mr. Lemuel Yoshimura(GenSan Nisei); Mrs. Estelita Roales (Cotabato) with her chaperone, Ms. Melissa Roales; Mr. Stephen Buñi (Manila); Atty. Sim Zuniega; and Ms. Yuka Kanamaru.

In the afternoon, we paid a courtesy visit to Consul General Amano of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, where Consul Amano expressed his desire to support the cause of the Nikkeijins in the Philippines. Thereafter, we attended the Media Conference at the Shalom Center.

July 21 – The 10-member delegate left Manila at 8:55am and arrived in Japan at 1:55pm. We were met by TV news media at the airport together with Ms. Toshiko Takano and Mr. Norihiro Inomata. After our dinner, we had a briefing with Dr. Shun Ohno regarding our respective roles during the Forum at Waseda University.

July 22 – The delegates paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Nippon Foundation, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa and President, Mr. Takeju Ogata together with some of their staff. The show of support and genuine desire of Mr. Sasakawa to help the Nikkeijins was overwhelming. After the lunch, we were serenaded with a Piano performance at the lobby of Nippon Foundation. Afterwards, we had a Press Conference with the Japanese media. The focus of the discussion and the articles published on the next day, were more on Mr. Yoshimura, who is not yet recognized until this time.

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The delegates during the Courtesy Meeting with Nippon Foundation President, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa

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During the Press Conference held at the Nippon Foundation Building.

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Meeting with members of the Japanese Diet and other government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labor and Welfare, and other government agencies.

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During the meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the Parliament Members.

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After the Press Conference, we proceeded to the House of the Diet for a meeting with the Parliamentarians in relation to our position paper. Immediately after the official statements of the politicians were heard, we transferred to the office of Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for the turning-over of the position paper containing 27,943 signatures. Prime Minister Abe showed his willingness to help the cause of the Filipino-Japanese descendants.

In the evening, the delegates had a dinner with PNLSC lawyers, staff, and supporters, headed by Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai and JPIC officials namely, former presidents, Mr. Akira Sekino, Mr. Hideo Ito and the NISVA officers Mr. Oka and Mr. Tanabe, among others.

 July 23 – We paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Manuel Lopez. Subsequently, we visited the Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo, the resting place of those who died outside of Japan during the WWII. It was an emotional visit since some of our forefathers may have been buried there. After that, we sat as the panelists during the forum at Waseda University, entitled “70 Years after the War-Invisible Japanese”. Each delegate was given the time to speak on his/her experiences either before, during, after the war, and on the future of the Filipino-Japanese descendants. We are thankful to PNLSC for the kind arrangements and accommodation all throughout the duration of the trip and to the Nippon Foundation for providing the funds used during the trip.

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Pictures taken during the courtesy meeting with Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manual Lopez at the Philippine Embassyin Roppongi, Tokyo

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Nov
30
2015

“EIGA SAI a link between Filipinos and Japanese” by: Noellyne R. Fernandez
By Admin

17In line with the celebration of Philippine – Japan friendship month, Eiga sai : the Japanese film festival was held on July 24- 25, 2015 at the cinemas of Abreeza mall and Cinematique in Davao City. It recorded 1,655 viewers with almost two hundred in number per viewing of three different titles each day of the festival.

The festival adheres to instill the positive effect and benefit to socially and academically receptiveness to learning of culture, values as well as the relative importance of art forms such as music, film, literature, visual art, and the like.

Six Japanese contemporary films selections acclaimed with different International awards respectively were shown with English subtitles in the cinemas for three days for free to the audience in a first come first serve basis The films, title include “Wa- Shoku (Beyond Sushi)”, “Terumae romae II (Therame Romae II)”, “Ramen yori taisetsuna mono (The God of Ramen)”, “Bushi no kondate (A tale of Samura Cooking – a true love story)”, “Bokutachi no kazoku (Our Family)”,“Kamusari naa naa nichijo (Wood Job)”, “Mahoroekimae kyosokyoku (Tada’s Do-It-All House: Disconcerto)”, “Kiseiju (Parasyte)”, “Kuragehime (Princess Jellyfish)”, and “Jinsei irodori (it’s a beautiful life)”.

The event was a success indeed where the purpose on the sense that film takes a very important role in the promotion of learning, awareness and getting an every inch of a link to our country friend in Japan. The organizers deserve the handful claps and applauses for this initiative. Till next Philippine- Japan friendship celebration.

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Nov
30
2015

From the Desk of PRESIDENT By Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, President
By Admin

judgeFor year 2015, our association is so blessed with the numerous number of approved shuseki which program is funded by the Nippon Foundation. The generous financial assistance extended by the Nippon Foundation under the leadership of Chairman Yohei Sasakawa paved the way to acknowledging and recognizing PNJK members as children of the Japanese national. The favorable judgment obtained served as an inspiration to all movers to continue research work for those second generation who have yet to be recognized. We salute the staff of PNLSC, Japan, PNLSC Manila and the Project Administrator based in Davao City under the supervision of PNJK
Davao Chapter for their joint effort in processing all documents used as evidence supporting the Petitions before the Family Court in Japan.

The members whose petitions were approved for the year 2015 are: Akatsuka Tamiko, AsatoLydia, Chikaraishi Emma, Chikaraishi Carmela, Chikaraishi Adela, Goya Yukio, Goya Carmencita, Kobayashi Loleng Masae, Murasato Satoko, Nakama Lauro, Sakagawa Irenea, Takemoto Francisca, Takeshige Victoria, Tsuruoka Norberto, Tsuruoka Celestino, Tsuruoka Leonora, Tsuruoka Saturnino and Yagi Josefina Michiko. Their patience for waiting after almost six(6) decades had paid off.

On July 21-23, 2015, selected 2nd Generation and 3rd Generations were given the task of submitting an appeal to the Japanese Government supported by thousands of signatures not only from those affected by the denial of the shuseki petitions but from third parties who are aware of the plight of the war-displaced descendants . Details for this particular item, please read the article written by our Federation President Ines P. Mallari.

On October 27-29, 2015, a group of delegates attended the International Convention of Nikkei and Japanese abroad. President Ines P. Mallari was invited to share the experience of the descendants before, during and after the war. In addition she succeeded in presenting what so far has been accomplished by the Nikkei Community in the Philippines. From among 182 delegates coming from the 17 countries, she was given the privilege to deliver her message before the parliamentarians and other high-ranking officials in Japan. The article regarding this memorable event can be found inside this newsletter.

While we rejoice the blessings received we are all saddened by the passing away of ourmembers notably Rev. Bernardo N. Fernandez, Sr., one of the pillars of the association and hascontinuously served as its Chairman for so many years. May he and the others rest in peace.

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