More than two hundred Nikkei Jins gathered last May 19, 2013 at the PNJK-IS Gym to attend the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc.’s 33rd General Assembly. Participants came as early as 7:00am, having travelled from places as far as Manila and Tagum.
With the theme “Achievement of PNJK in the Thirty-Three Years of Its Existence, A Showcase of our Contribution to the Progress of the Society, Now and Onward”, the goal of the General Assembly was to update the Nikkei Jins regarding the progress of the association, as well as its future plans. Members were also expected to elect qualified individuals into the Board of Directors that day.
The program, steered by the Masters of Ceremonies Mrs. Nelma Adachi and Mr. Felipe Hiquial Jr., began at exactly 9:00am. Mrs. Adelaida Panaguiton led the assembly in prayer. Several messages were delivered by speakers considered to be keys to the success of the organization; namely, Rev. Bernardo Fernandez Sr., Consul Koichi Ibara, Mr. Masataka Ajiro, Mr. Hideo Ito—whose speech was read by Mrs. Evelyn Obuchi in his behalf and Mrs. Ines Mallari. Words of congratulations flowed from each message, followed by a challenge to sustain the progress that PNJK has made over the last 33 years.
Several reports followed the opening messages. The first report was delivered by the association President, Retired Judge Antonina B. Escovilla. In her report she discussed mainly the number of Nikkei Jins that had been approved to go to Japan in the recent months. She also encouraged those who resided in Calinan to enroll their children into the PNJK-IS Calinan branch. Her report then gave way to Mrs. Carmen Apigo’s report on PNJK-IS Calinan. Mrs. Apigo, Administrator of the aforementioned school, highlighted the competitions the school’s achievements in the past year. Clear in the enthusiasm of her voice was the pride of an administrator who saw the slow, but steady growth of the new school.
From the report on PNJK-IS Calinan, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, MKD President and PNJK-IS School Directress, took over to report about the two educational facilities. She happily informed the assembly that the MKD was already on its 11th year, while the PNJK-IS was on its 21st. Afterwards she gave statistics on the PNJK-IS’ student population, and declared to the assembly that soon enough they were going to construct a new building to meet the school’s growing studentry. It was also with great pride that she shared to the assembly that PNJK-IS had just recently been granted Level I status by the PAASCU, a prestigious title given to schools who perform exceptionally well. Thereafter, to her amazement, Mrs. Mallari was bestowed a plaque of appreciation by the Board for the time and effort she spent to achieve that status.
Ms. Ines Mallari receiving plaque of Appreciation
Two financial reports succeeded Mrs. Mallari. The first financial report was given by Mrs. Anita Iwamoto, Treasurer of PNJK Inc., while the second financial report was given by Mr. Rodrigo Suemitsu, PNJK Multi- purpose Cooperative Chair.
The last report was delivered by Mrs. Evelyn Obuchi, Liaison Officer of the Japan Philippine Industry Council. In her report she took the time to mention the families she called ‘loyalists’, people who remained faithful to their employer for at least three years. These families are: Yamaguchi-Tungkalan Family, Suemitsu-Ibanez Family, Hayashi-Villas Family, Yawaka-Mumar Family, Tsunashima Family, Nakagawa-Hiquial Family, Toyoda-Magallon Family and Kamiyama Family.
PNJK, Inc., Board of Directors
The general assembly ended with Mrs. Lucia Josol, COMELEC Chairman and PNJK-IS High School Head, explaining to the assembly that there was no need for an elections, as only eleven candidates were running for a position in the Board of Directors, and that since it was required to have eleven members in the Board, all that was needed was the ratification of the candidates.
It is interesting to note that for this assembly, an exceptional number of 2nd generation Japanese descendants was in attendance.
