Early part of 2013, Bishop Masataka Ajiro, President of Japan PhilippineVolunteer Association, conferred with the Honorable City Mayor, Rodrigo R. Duterte at the Marco Polo Hotel, with the purpose of requesting from the latter a space at the Mintal Public Cemetery as the burial/resting place of Japanese retirees or those who wish to be buried in Davao City. Present were the former Cabinet Member of Japan Mr. Yamahana Ikuo, Ms. Masumi Yagi, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, Mr. Juseven Austero, yours truly, and some JPVA members. Bishop Ajiro informed the Honorable Mayor regarding the number of Japanese residents in Davao City, some of whom are retirees who chose Davao City as the place to spend the remaining years of their lives. In fact, there are more who desire to come to Davao City, knowing that under the leadership of the Mayor, the Japanese retirees are assured of their safety. His love for the Japanese had prodded the Honourable Mayor and without any hesitation to accede to the request of Bishop Ajiro. The Mayor’s aide, Mr. Bong Co, called Barangay Captain Ramon Bargamento, Barangay Captain of Mintal, conveying the subject of the meeting. Barangay Captain Bargamento assured the Honorable Mayor of the… Read More »