Baguio “Abong Nikkei Jin Kai Delegation with MOFA Consul Katsutoshi Someda, PNLSC N. Inomata, I. Mallari, A. Escovilla, C. Apigo, A. Iwamoto, E. Obuchi.”

The 57^th Convention of Nikkeijin and Japanese Abroad was another milestone for all of us, the Nikkeijins in the Philippines.  Present during the said convention representing the Philippines were JPIC President Yoshihiro Tokumitsu with JPIC Coordinator Eve Obuchi, Rengokai President Ines P. Mallari, Rengokai Secretary and PNJK Davao City Chapter President Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, PNJK Davao Chapter Secretary Mrs. Carmen C. Apigo, PNJK Davao Chapter Treasurer Anita P. Iwamoto and six delegates from the Baguio Chapter.

Registration was allotted for the first day and the welcome party was hosted by the Imperial Family, giving the delegates the opportunity in meeting Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. Our Rengokai President with her group had the chance in shaking the hands of both the Prince and the Princess . A brief conversation between them and our President Mallari took place, where the latter conveyed the presence of Their Majesties in the Philippines in January of 2016.

R: MOFA Minister Fumio Kishida

             The 2^nd day of the convention Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kiyoshi Odawara of the Overseas Nikkei Communities for the Japanese Government gave the Keynote Speech followed by the presentation of reports from each delegate representing various countries like Panama, Peru, UK, Brazil, USA and Philippines among others.
             Our Rengokai President shared with the rest of the delegation the educational programs in the Philippines and showed slides of various activities conducted in the previous and the current years.

                  The Nikkeijins in the Philippines became the bridge in the bilateral relationship between the two countries Japan and Philippines. This will further enhance by the recognition and acknowledgement of the programs embarked by the Philippine Nikkei Jin Rengokai more so in the field of education where Japanese culture and Language are given much attention.
In the evening of the same day, all the participants were transported to the IIkura House of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a sumptuous dinner with the officers of MOFA headed by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida who was also scheduled to have another dinner engagement with no less than His Excellency the President of the Philippines Rodrigo R. Duterte.