From the Desk of PRESIDENT By Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, President
For year 2015, our association is so blessed with the numerous number of approved shuseki which program is funded by the Nippon Foundation. The generous financial assistance extended by the Nippon Foundation under the leadership of Chairman Yohei Sasakawa paved the way to acknowledging and recognizing PNJK members as children of the Japanese national. The favorable judgment obtained served as an inspiration to all movers to continue research work for those second generation who have yet to be recognized. We salute the staff of PNLSC, Japan, PNLSC Manila and the Project Administrator based in Davao City under the supervision of PNJK
Davao Chapter for their joint effort in processing all documents used as evidence supporting the Petitions before the Family Court in Japan.
The members whose petitions were approved for the year 2015 are: Akatsuka Tamiko, AsatoLydia, Chikaraishi Emma, Chikaraishi Carmela, Chikaraishi Adela, Goya Yukio, Goya Carmencita, Kobayashi Loleng Masae, Murasato Satoko, Nakama Lauro, Sakagawa Irenea, Takemoto Francisca, Takeshige Victoria, Tsuruoka Norberto, Tsuruoka Celestino, Tsuruoka Leonora, Tsuruoka Saturnino and Yagi Josefina Michiko. Their patience for waiting after almost six(6) decades had paid off.
On July 21-23, 2015, selected 2nd Generation and 3rd Generations were given the task of submitting an appeal to the Japanese Government supported by thousands of signatures not only from those affected by the denial of the shuseki petitions but from third parties who are aware of the plight of the war-displaced descendants . Details for this particular item, please read the article written by our Federation President Ines P. Mallari.
On October 27-29, 2015, a group of delegates attended the International Convention of Nikkei and Japanese abroad. President Ines P. Mallari was invited to share the experience of the descendants before, during and after the war. In addition she succeeded in presenting what so far has been accomplished by the Nikkei Community in the Philippines. From among 182 delegates coming from the 17 countries, she was given the privilege to deliver her message before the parliamentarians and other high-ranking officials in Japan. The article regarding this memorable event can be found inside this newsletter.
While we rejoice the blessings received we are all saddened by the passing away of ourmembers notably Rev. Bernardo N. Fernandez, Sr., one of the pillars of the association and hascontinuously served as its Chairman for so many years. May he and the others rest in peace.
