A LANDMARK IN THE NAME OF GENUINE HARMONY AND ACCORD
by: Ruben Pascua
Every passerby couldn’t help but view the towering statues of individuals at the main entrance of the PNJK compound – The Philippine – Japan Friendship Monument at Angliongto Avenue, Lanang Davao City. Since its blessing and unveiling to the public last October 3, 2012, the monuments have been attracting a lot of people to come closer and take pictures of these gigantic statues that remind each and everyone of the mutual relationship between Philippines and Japan.
Sculpted by one of the finest artists we have in this country, Kublai Milan; the Philippine – Japan Friendship Monument which costed an estimated amount of 1.2 million pesos shared by the four entities – Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku and PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostics Center depicts the meeting of varied cultures, diverse thoughts and assortment of rituals. It gives us a clear picture that despite the diversities, Philippines and Japan relationship has paved the way to a more thorough awareness, understanding and more sincere appreciation of the other members of the global village. The monument is a valid testimony of our willingness to create a union with humanity and because of these union, we have achieved progress as an institution.
“Giving credit to where credit is due,” Inside the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (MKD) compound are two other monuments. The administration of PNJK has thought of giving much value to the support of Masataka Ajiro, Sensei Datu Tatsuo Uchida and in honor and memory of his wife Ayako Uchida by constructing monuments that show their sincerity to establish an institution of learning that would become an asset to the community. These two benevolent benefactors of this institution are very much instrumental to the growth of PNJK.
The unveiling and blessing of said monuments was officiated by Rev. Bernardo N. Fernandez Sr. and attended by local government officials, Honored Japanese guests and visitors, members of the PNJK family, students, parents and media people.
The message of Rev. Fernandez tells us that the Philippines – Japan Monument tells us that peculiarities are set aside and personal interests are relegated, all in the name of genuine harmony and accord. The contributions of Philippines and Japan to the community or to the world are the products of our glorious past. Our mutual relationship with the other members of the global vllage affords us the honor to live harmoniously with the entire human race.
Every year, Japanese nationals from Okinawa Prefecture pay homage to their deceased relatives and friends buried in Davao. This year the large group of 53 arrived in the city on July 21, 2017, to fulfill their annual commitment.
