Dec
20
2017

From the desk of the President

By Admin

From the desk of the president2017 is another fruitful and productive year for the PNJK Family. We welcomed the Okinawa group that consistently been visiting Davao City for over two decades to visit the different cemeteries where their ancestors and friends were buried.

In September of the same year we witnessed the visit of Mr. Mikio Shimojo. He is a member of the House of Representative in Japan bringing with him the information that a new law has been promulgated. This new law will benefit Japanese Filipino descendants and those willing to undergo rigid training in caregiving.

Officials of the PNJK, Inc. Davao Chapter participated the 58th Convention of Nikkeijin and Japanese Abroad held in Tokyo, Japan on October 23 to 26, 2017. At this juncture, we acknowledged the active participation of JPIC President Yoshihiro Tokumitsu to said convention. His presence was likewise visible during the 10th National Convention held in Malate, Metro Manila on November 4, 2017.

The 10th Convention was a success as this was jointly celebrated with the 209 approved shuseki petitions handled by the law firm of Atty. Hiroyuki Kawaii. The 2nd generation-abled nisei were there to personally express their deep appreciation to the lawyers that handled their petition. It was an evening full of mixed emotion—some were tearful as they are no longer classified as stateless, some were deeply touched with the gesture of Atty. Kawai who is more than willing to extend legal assistance and will continue doing so while still in the law practice.

The said convention was supported by the presence of HE Ambassador Koji Haneda, State Minister Atsushi Kuwabara and Counsellor and Consul Yoshio Kawauchi, including the officials from The Nippon Foundation, Miss Ikuko Okubo and Ichiro Kabasawa, Executive Director, The Nippon Foundation.

The highlight of this year’s activity is the State Banquet hosted by HE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in honor of our own President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Ines P. Mallari as head of the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku was one among the thirty Filipino invited guests. She was seated in a table together with the cabinet members of our Philippine Government and to name a few Mr. Carlos Dominguez, Finance Secretary, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and some senators. The state banquet was held on October 30, 2017, in Tokyo, Japan.

On December 15, 2017, HE Ambassador Koji Haneda and Madam Ihoko Haneda visited the PNJK Compound. Everyone were in high spirit when HE Ambassador Haneda came and delivered an inspiring message to the throng of students, faculty both teaching and non-teaching staff.

Indeed there is much to be grateful for in year 2017. We are hopeful that year 2018 will be another productive year.

Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla
PNJK Inc. President

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Aug
17
2017

Japanese Visitors

By Admin

August 17, 2017, PNJK Inc. President RET. JUDGE ANTONINA B. ESCOVILLA, JPIC Coordinator EVELYN OBUCHI and PNJK-IS Sensei Ayako de Guzman entertained the visitors from Shizuoka City, namely Sachi Takahata, Ph.D. University of Shizuoka Yazawa Tsutomu – Yaizu Citizens’ Network for Multicultural Society “Ichogo” and Daichi Matsuoka – Mainichi Shimbun.

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Nov
30
2016

From the Desk of the President

By Admin

  17274701_10154158734901058_1044978967_nAs the saying goes, when it rains, it pours profusely.

             2016 had been quite a fruitful and memorable year.  We started the year with a momentous event, that of meeting with Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan. All 2nd generation or Nisei coming from different cities in the Philippines were grouped at the lobby of Sofitel, Metro Manila, where they were privileged to converse with Their Majesties who appreciated their presence and acknowledged them to have been the bridge of the two countries, Japan and the Philippines. We have maintained the cordial relationship of the two countries as the nikkeijins continue to contribute to the progress and development of our country.

Then in May 2016, the Embassy of Japan visited various cities in the Philippines and conducted interviews of the 2nd generation or Nisei as to their affiliation with their Japanese forefathers. Davao City was the first place visited by no less than the Counsellor and First Consul of the Embassy of Japan, Hon. Consul Susumu Tsuda.

We also successfully observed the General Assembly of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Davao City Chapter on May 14, 2016, with the active participation of members mostly from the far-flung areas.

The officers of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Davao City Chapter together with some members in Baguio City attended the 57th Convention of Nikkei and Japanese abroad in Tokyo, Japan where our Rengokai President Ines P. Mallari was given the opportunity to share the educational program of our institutions in Davao City.

Later in the year, on November 11, 2016, the General Assembly of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai was held in Manila, and the participants were privileged to be invited by HE Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa at his residence. There were Philippine government officials who were invited to the Welcome Party hosted by Amb. Ishikawa, and exchange of pleasantries took place between the Nikkeijins and the said officials.

Finally on December 1, 2016, the PNJK Officials and different heads of the PNJK Family were invited to attend the Emperor’s Birthday or the National Day of Japan at SMX Convention Center which was hosted by HE Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa. The special guest of honor was no less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. All nikkeijins who were around had the privilege to have a photo opportunity with President Duterte, who was so gracious in accommodating the request of the PNJK Davao City Chapter to have a photo opportunity with him.

In year 2016 there were four (4) approved shuuseki petitions. The lucky members of our association who now are equipped with their family registration are: Francisco Asajiro Okamoto, Nicanor Fujikawa, Victorio Itou and Felicitas Toyoda.

While we are ecstatic with the rare occasions earlier mentioned, we are saddened by the death of one of our generous and steadfast supporter as far as our education program is concerned, in the person of Mr. Tatsuo Uchida, the foster father of our official Mrs. Ines P. Mallari and adopted brother of Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla. He was the biggest contributor to the progress and development of PNJK Family and may he rest in peace with his wife Ayako Uchida.

Escovilla, Antonina
Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla
PNJK Inc., President

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Nov
30
2015

“PRESIDENT’S REPORT ON THE PARTICIPATION TO THE 56th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF NIKKEI ABROAD” Inclusive date: October 27~29, 2015 By Ines P. Mallari

By Admin

Offficial delegates from the PHILIPPINES:
1. Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, PNJK Rengokai Inc., President
2. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, PNJK Davao Chapter President
3. Mrs. Carmen Apigo, Davao Officer
4. Mrs. Elizabeth Tagud, Davao Officer
5. Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu, JPIC President
6. Mrs. Evelyn Obuchi, JPIC Coordinator
7. Mr. Yusuke Uchida and 5 members of his family
8. Mr. Norihiro Inomata (PNLSC)

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October 27, 2015 – Venue: Kensei Kinenkan, Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Registration, Opening and General Assembly of the 182 participants coming from the different countries from Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America and South America. The theme for this year’s Convention was 70th After the War: Post-War History of Japan and Nikkei Communities in Retrospect. The President of the Kaigai Nikkeijin Taikai, Mr. Tanaka gave the opening remarks. Messages were also shared by the representatives from Brazil, Peru and Indonesia. In the evening of the first day, and as always, the Welcome Reception was hosted by the Imperial Family. This year, Her Highness, Princess Takamado was in attendance together with some members of the House of Diet/Parliament.

October 28, 2015 – Venue: JICA Building, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Morning: Plenary session on the theme: 70th After the War: Post-War History of Japan and Nikkei Communities in Retrospect. The undersigned presented the past, present and future activities and experiences of the Filipino-Japanese descendants through a Powerpoint Presentation. The delegates from around the world expressed to the undersigned that they were able to understand the Filipino Nikkeijins better after listening to the presentation.
Afternoon: Break-out sessions on different topics. Our group joined the session on the “Activities of the Japanese descendants Around the Globe.”
Evening: Our group had a dinner together with JPIC President, Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu and Ms. Evelyn Obuchi, JPIC Coordinator.

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October 29, 2015 – Venue: Kensei Kinenkan, Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Morning: Participated the presentations of the children of the Nikkeijins in Japan. Lunch Reception: I was chosen to represent the 182 delegates from 17 countries around the world to deliver a speech in Nihongo in front of the members of Congress, headed by the Speaker of the Upper House, Senator Ooshima and Congressman Koshiishi, Asst. head of the Lower House, respectively. I was
all the more overwhelmed when the Minister of Justice, Minister Mitsuhide Iwaki himself, approached me after my speech, introduced himself, showed great interest and without being asked, offered assistance to the Filipino- Japanese descendants. Moreover, many Japanese politicians or Diet members also expressed their support to the Filipino Nikkeijins.

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Japan’s Minister of Justice, Mr. Iwaki asking further information about Filipino Nikkeijins

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Nov
30
2015

From the Desk of PRESIDENT By Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, President

By Admin

judgeFor 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.

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Sep
16
2015

“From the desk of the President”

By Admin

During the 34th General Assembly held on May 11, 2014, the following policies under the Mortuary Aid Program were approved by the members present, to wit:

  1. Membership shall be on individual basis;
  2. The mortuary contribution shall be paid annually in the amount of P300.00;
  3. From the annual contribution of all the registered members, P50.00 shall be given in case of mortality to the qualified beneficiary of the deceased member as mortuary benefit, upon presentation of the death certificate;
  4. The qualified beneficiaries to be written in order of priority in the application form for membership to the Mortuary Aid Program shall be the following:
  1. Legal Spouse
  2. Child
  3. Parent
  4. The computation of the mortuary aid shall be based on the total active members of the particular year;
  5. The extent of the benefit that the beneficiary shall be entitled to shall be solely and exclusively as to the privilege to claim the mortuary aid of the deceased member;
  6. Failure to pay the annual mortuary contribution of P300.00 shall cause the delisting of the name of the member and even if the applicant is non-descendant provided he/she is the spouse of the registered member the application to the program shall be accepted.
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Sep
15
2015

“FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT”

By Admin

We are all happy to see you back to your second home and we want to express our deepest thanks to Kazunari san and Yusuke san for bringing Otoosan in Davao City. Among the list of our benefactors, Otoosan is remarkably different. He is pure in heart, pure in mind and pure in action. I am proud and honored to be his adopted sister and that of Ayako san. Both have shared their blessings to the Nikkei Community without hesitation. All blessings came from them alone. Their biggest contribution not only to PNJK campus but to other parts of the City more specially the orphanage center is evident. Otoosan is not expecting any return because it is a gift or donation without any condition. His main goal is to motivate descendants to improve not only their standard of living but assist the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc.

We have grown, Otoosan, because of your initiative. You started the move, setting an example for all of us to follow, driving us to move forward and give our own share regardless how big or small the contribution is, whether monetary or services.

While not all had answered your call for self-growth and extend assistance to our association I can say without contradiction that the Nikkei Community has greatly improved and is successful the way you dreamed it and today you will see people have grown or have aged, like me and Reverend Fernandez you see Miko very much different from the day you were here – she was just a little kid in the elementary grade and now she is a second year law student.

We have grown, I repeat because of you, in due time we will 100% be putting into realization your dream. In behalf of those who are here from the bottom of our hearts welcome Otoosan and again thank you so much for your good deeds. May God bless you and all of us at the PNJK campus.

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Sep
14
2015

“From the Desk of The President, May 2013”

By Admin

Allow me to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the members who came and participated in the activities held last May 19, 2013, the 33rd General Assembly of the PNJK Inc.

For those who were unable to attend due to reason beyond your control, you are hereby notified that every second Sunday of May each year such event takes place.  This must be so because the members are entitled to know what so far the officials have done the past months and will further undertake in contributing to the progress and development not only of the Nikkei Jin Community but the whole Davao City, as well.

Each entity in the campus, the PNJK, Inc., which is the mother association, the PNJK-IS, the MKD, the Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center, the Cooperative and our latest contribution to the educational arena is the construction of a new school building in Calinan, gave not only narrative reports but the financial standing of each. Our association is the only group that is service oriented, providing medical services other than producing professionals in various fields. We are proud to state that we are the only group that has embarked on education, medical and economic development which is the Cooperative. It is hoped that you as members will continue to keep updated with the activities of the association as well as extend assistance in whatever way that you can for unification, harmony and attainment of the most elusive peace.

NOTICE TO ALL PNJK INC. MEMBERS:

Those who are delinquent in their annual dues are informed of the amnesty grant to members who have failed to update their dues with the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. The text of the Board Resolution No. 18-03-13 is quoted:

RESOLVED THAT AMNESTY SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE DESCENDANTS WHO ARE DELINQUENT IN THE PAYMENT OF THEIR ANNUAL DUES. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE POLICIES TO BE FOLLOWED:

THE AMNESTY SHALL BE EFFECTIVE MARCH 2013TO JUNE 2014;

  1. THIS IS APPLICABLE TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN TO JAPAN; AND
  2. REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT DUE TO THE ASSOCIATION, THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT TO BE PAID SHALL BE P10,000.00, THE COMPUTATION SHALL BE
  3. 00 PER YEAR AND P120.00 PER YEAR WHEN THEY ARE BACK IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Members are likewise urged to update your family tree.  Our Legal Aide Section will accept the latest addition in your family. Those descendants who were single at the time of registration and are currently married, you are requested to submit your certificates of marriage and if a child is born, furnish the office copy of the live certificate as well as the death certificates of the family member who have left ahead of us. This is a requirement the Embassy of Japan in Manila is asking for their office consumption.

Members are likewise informed to take note of the Iresai Celebration which is usually observed every August 15, but at times moved on a weekend to give members who are employed the opportunity to be around.  Our association is regularly observing the week-long celebration of the RP-Japan Festival in the month of October where most of the benevolent Japanese benefactors take time to fly from Japan to Davao just to be with the Nikkei Community.

PNJK, Inc. is likewise a co-sponsor of Kichijoji Lions Club and Datu Uchida Foundation and the Davao City Baseball Association in the Davao City Baseball Cup which is being held every February-March of each year. Public and private schools in the Elementary and High School levels have been fielding their teams to this event.

The most important thing is find time to come or call our office and we are encouraging all to be part of the association’s activities.

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Sep
14
2015

“President’s Report, May 2013”

By Admin

Achievement of PNJK in Thirty-Three (33) Years of Existence, A Showcase of our Contribution to the Progress of Society, Now and Onward. Our PNJK compound is becoming the tourist spot in Davao City. Proof of this is the influx of our friends coming from Japan. The number of visitors that came to see PNJK compound as recorded in the PNJK files and identified in 2012 is listed below, to wit:

  • Tatsuo Kitagawa who was accompanied by Consul Kazuhiko Anzai of the Consular Office of Japan in Davao City;
  • Shun Onno, a visiting Professor of MKD. He is the Professor of Dept. of Global Citizenship Studies;
  • Akira Ishioka and Yukihiro Kusabe Syachou of Serei;
  • Makoto Hidaka-Shimura of Chubu-Gakuin Junior College;
  • Consul Toru Ishii, First Secretary and Consul of the Embassy of Japan in Manila and Head of Visa Section;
  • Nippon Izokukai Group consisting of 22 members who are Japan war Bereaved Families Association inspected our Polyclinic;
  • Yurichiro Miyazaki, Masumi Nishio, Hiroyuki Tair Yasuhiro Shoda;
  • Africa Latin-American Association, an NGO based in Japan. Members would like to learn more about the people who are opposed to nuclear power;
  • Sister Goto from Misono Jogakuin Junior & Senior High School, Japan and Fr. Shushigawa of Easter Village, Kidapawan City. The Group observed our Nihongo Classes and was able to witness portion of our RP-Japan Festival.

Accomplishments and Activities in Year 2012:

On January of 2012, we started the discussion on the possibility of putting up another PNJK-IS school building in Calinan. Having resolved on the beneficial effect of embarking into this new project, the construction started, was completed in June 2012 and is currently used by students thereat.

The Japan-Philippine Industry Council, one of our benefactors and PNJK Inc. held two joint meetings in2012, one in February and the other one in November. Our sponsors will continue extending assistance to our members. We have maintained and solidified the good relationship with the members of JPIC.

In compliance with legislated law, we established the grievance committee: The task is to receive complaints against erring PNJK employees, conduct investigation and submit recommendation to the Board of Directors.

The Consular of Japan in Davao City, in 2012 has been in constant communication with our office that in one occasion it requested us to participate in the Samal Festival held on May 18, 2012, to reinforce its manpower. PNJK Inc., PNJK-IS and MKD staffs and teachers gladly participated and in fact the audience in said event was in awe by our colorful presentation.

The Ireisai Celebration, similar to our all Souls Day, was jointly held with the Consular Office of Japan in Davao City on August 12, 2012. Participants present were the Japanese Community, The Nikkei Group, teachers, professors and staff of both PNJK-IS and Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku.

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From October 2 to 5, 2012, we observed the RP-Japan Festival. The first day was reserved for free medical consultation offered by PNJK Polyclinic under the leadership of Mrs. Iwamoto. There were physical examination and other health services rendered with minimal fee. PNJK-IS and MKD took care the academic and cultural competitions, Nihongo speech and Balak contest, Ikebana arrangement, Yukata wearing, Tea Ceremony and even Cooking Japanese Food. Highlighting the week-long event is the holding of the Bon-Odori Festival. Everyone wore kimono, yukata and Hapi.

During the General Assembly in 2012, we started the Mortuary Aid Program. Only few had contributed and our appeal to everyone is to be part of the program. Only (30) members joined the program. Currently we have a total sum of P9000.00 kept in the bank. As agreed, P50.00 from each contributor will be extended to any deceased member and this amount will be replenished every general assembly. Last year there were reported descendants who left ahead of us. Unfortunately they were not among those who contributed to the mortuary aid program.

To our members who are in their prime stage, kindly stay fit and healthy because the 2nd generation is the only principal person that can be entertained by our legal group in supplying vital data. Their existence is so important for shuuseki petition before the Family Courts in Japan. Without them there will be no chance for those who have no koseki to go to Japan, unless a new law is passed, allowing the next generation to give data needed to be legally recognized.

There are those who might be candidates to a group tour in August 2013. Your paper must be clear, not corrected by yourself or by anyone good in employing irregular corrections. Your witness must be credible. You need to present concrete evidence that will establish your affiliation with your Japanese ascendants. You will be notified if chosen by PNLSC Japan to be part of the group tour. Last year 2012, four shuuseki petitions were approved by the Tokyo Family Court. Two from Davao: Mr. Carlos Toshimitsu and Enrique Sagaki Tanimoto. Mrs. Aguilina Nagamine from Iligan is now recognized and one from Iloilo Evelyn Akamine. This is the result of the joint effort of Atty. Kawai, PNLSC and PNJK, INC.

New policy in Japan that took effect in July 2012 is as follows: Resident visa is given to descendants for three to a maximum of five years. If you are not a resident in Japan, you will be entitled to only one year resident visa. Re-entry permit is not necessary for as long as you go back to Japan within one year. However, if you stay more than one year outside of Japan you need the so called re-entry visa.

Attached to the report is the classification of Category A and B. This is the report of Ms. Nelma Adachi in May 2012. Kindly go over the same for any one of you in the audience may fall under the classification and the explanation is clear.

For the information to those interested to study Nihongo Language, we have been conducting classes in Japanese Language for the past months. Kindly call our office and look for April. Free lesson during Saturdays is conducted to our descendants who are Category C. What you only need is buy the reference books that are available in the office. For those who are due to leave for Japan, minimal fee is collected to pay our skilled teacher (s).

Thank you for your time and may we have another fruitful year for 2013. God bless.

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