Nov

2015

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

By Admin

“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

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Sep

2015

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

By Admin

REV. BERNARDO N. FERNANDEZ, SR.,

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PNJK, INC.

FOR HAVING BEEN CONFERRED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN THE ORDER OF THE RISING SUN, GOLD AND SILVER RAYS, GIVEN LAST NOVEMBER 13, 2013, FOR HIS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE JAPANESE DESCENDANTS’ SOCIETY IN THE DAVAO REGION.

FROM THE PHILIPPINE NIKKEI JIN KAI INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF

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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.

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Sep

2015

“Philippine-Japan Festival”

By Admin

Philippine-Japan Festival

By: Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla

PNJK President

For an event as important as the Philippine-Japan Festival everybody was ushered to the Conference Room of PNJK Inc. to discuss the activities to be held from October 1 to 5, 2013. The meeting was presided by our energetic and able PNJK 1^st Vice President Ines P. Mallari, our current MKD President and at the same time the President of the Federation of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai. Various committees were created, headed by responsible teaching staff of both MKD and PNJK-IS. Staff from other entities under the umbrella of PNJK Inc. were likewise given their assignments.

After holding three meetings, and satisfied with the reports given by each committee head, the activities that the public would witness came to their final stage. The scheduled activities were as follows:

October 01, 2013 Free Medical Clinic and Blood Letting under the supervision of Mrs. Anita P. Iwamoto, Managing Director of the PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center.

October 02, 2013 from 8:30 to 9:00 in the morning and armed with the necessary permit was the Motorcade cruising along PNJK-Bajada-Quirino and back to PNJK compound. A number of parents of students of PNJK-IS happily joined the motorcade.

After the motorcade the Kick-off Program and Awarding Ceremony was held at the PNJK-IS Gym.

Fellowship lunch for the invited guests, officials, faculty and staff was held at the MKD Sky Gym.

Thereafter, our special guest in the person of the Ambassador Toshinao Urabe, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, lectured on the Philippine-Japan Relations and the venue was the MKD AVR. Students of MKD in attendance were so eager and interested in listening to a very informative lecture as it would enhance their knowledge relevant to the chosen career the International Studies.

Eigasai and Filipino Movie Festival were shown to students not only of the College but to all levels of the PNJK-IS. The general public enjoyed watching the Nihongo and Tagalog Singing Contest held at PNJK-IS Gym. Filipino students participated in Nihongo Singing Contest while Foreign Students were tasked to sing Tagalog songs.

October 03, 2013 we continued showing the Eigasai and Filipino Movie to students from the Elementary, High School and College Department. In the same day, Japanese and Filipino Cultural Lessons were held. There were Academic and Cultural Competitions as well participated in by students from the Elementary and High School Levels.

October 04, 2013 was the Nihongo Speech and Balak Contest. Participants from other schools and colleges joined the contest. There were Karate demonstration and Sumo Competition.

The awarding ceremony took place thereafter, followed by the most colorful event the Bon Odori. Everybody joined the evening affair, wearing kimono, yukata and hapi, dancing as a group to the tune of lively Japanese songs.

On October 05, 2013 the Recorder Ensemble Competition was held at the PNJK-IS Calinan Branch where officers and members of the Kichijoji Lions Club were in attendance. School bags from Japan were distributed by the Lions Club members to participants of the Recorder Ensemble. Students from various public and private schools were beneficiaries of these bags. By its appearance the bags were made of quality material and durable in character.

In the end, all those who have given their time, sacrifice and labors were satisfied with the result of the events. They can truly say that the celebration of the Philippine-Japan Festival was a great success. A great number of viewers and participants went home with contentment and joy.

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Sep

2015

“From the desk of the President”

By Admin

During the 34^th 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.

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Sep

2015

“General Assembly Report” By: Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla

By Admin

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 33^rd 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 – 2^nd 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 10^th 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.

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Sep

2015

“PNJK POLYCLINIC & DIAGNOSTIC CENTER”

By Admin

By: Anita P. Iwamoto

Managing Director

2013 Polyclinic statistical data of patients:

In the year 2013 SM Performance Evaluation the Polyclinic got an Over-all rating of 1.51 which equivalents to Outstanding.
Every RP-Japan Festival one of the activity is the Medical Outreach which the Polyclinic will give services to the barangay’s near our area.
We also conducted an annual Physical Examination to the Sm Ecoland, Lanang and save more companies totaled 682 employees.
We also accept holder of health cards like Maxicare, Intellicare/Avega, Cocolife and also Philcare.

To all the total members of the PNJK, INC., especially residents in Davao City to also introduce to your friends and relatives our won Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center.

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Sep

2015

” PNJK-IS, MKD and Federation Reports”by: Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla”

By Admin

In behalf of Mrs. Mallari, in my capacity as PNJK-IS and MKD Chairman of the Board and as Secretary of the Federation, allow me to give a summary of the events that took place in the past year in the three entities that are under the umbrella of PNJK Inc.

PNJK-International School for school year 2013-2014 had a student population of 1289 from kinder to high school.

PNJK-IS financial standing ending April 30, 2013 as audited and submitted to BIR is:

Revenue: P32,730,889.40

Less Administrative Expenses: 32,138,86l.63

Excess Revenue over Expenses P696,545.34

Let us go to our college the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku. The student population for year 2013-2014 has reached 356 composed of first and fourth year students.

For those who are not yet informed as to what are the courses offered kindly take note of the following: Bachelor of Science in International Studies, Bachelor of Science in Social Services, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Math/Bio, Science and English, Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

The financial statement submitted and audited shows the following figures:

Cash Flow Statement

Cash Receipt from students PHP 12,379,367.55

Cash paid to suppliers, teachers & employees (11,943,650.33)

Cash generated from operations 435,717.22

Cash Receipt from Donors –

Rent Income –

Purchased of equipment, furniture & fixtures (466,562.00)

Interest Received 7,693.86

Total (458,868.14)

Net increase (decrease) in cash (23,150.92)

Cash at beginning of period 326,083.27

CASH AT END OF PERIOD PHP 302,932.35

As far as the Federation is concerned, this is what I can state here:

If you recall last General Assembly in 2013 there were officers from the different cities like Manila, Cebu and Iligan who attended the event. Of course with the number of attendees in the general assembly it is obvious that we have the biggest number of members compared with the other chapters.

The Federation under the leadership of our own member Mrs. Ines Mallari in coordination with the leadership of our chapter has been attending celebrations of Bonifacio Day and Rizal Day just to make the public aware of our existence.

Last January 16, 2014, we received an invitation coming from no less than the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, His Excellency Amb. Toshinao Urabe to attend the New Year’s Celebration of Japan held in his residence in Makati. He acknowledged our presence, as in fact we were introduced to other high ranking officials of Japan who were around during the celebration.

At this juncture, let me thank the members present who took time to attend the general assembly and we hope to see you in 2015 our 35^th General Assembly.

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Sep

2015

“FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT”

By Admin

We are all happy to see you back to your second home and we want to express our deepest thanks to Kazunari san and Yusuke san for bringing Otoosan in Davao City. Among the list of our benefactors, Otoosan is remarkably different. He is pure in heart, pure in mind and pure in action. I am proud and honored to be his adopted sister and that of Ayako san. Both have shared their blessings to the Nikkei Community without hesitation. All blessings came from them alone. Their biggest contribution not only to PNJK campus but to other parts of the City more specially the orphanage center is evident. Otoosan is not expecting any return because it is a gift or donation without any condition. His main goal is to motivate descendants to improve not only their standard of living but assist the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc.

We have grown, Otoosan, because of your initiative. You started the move, setting an example for all of us to follow, driving us to move forward and give our own share regardless how big or small the contribution is, whether monetary or services.

While not all had answered your call for self-growth and extend assistance to our association I can say without contradiction that the Nikkei Community has greatly improved and is successful the way you dreamed it and today you will see people have grown or have aged, like me and Reverend Fernandez you see Miko very much different from the day you were here – she was just a little kid in the elementary grade and now she is a second year law student.

We have grown, I repeat because of you, in due time we will 100% be putting into realization your dream. In behalf of those who are here from the bottom of our hearts welcome Otoosan and again thank you so much for your good deeds. May God bless you and all of us at the PNJK campus.

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Sep

2015

“Can Descendants Present A Rightful Claim”

By Admin

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

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.

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

The ISSUE in this case is:

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

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?

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.

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS US ALL.

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