Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koshikawa Kazuhiko has led the virtual briefing for the 13thbatch of Filipino nurses and care workers who will undergo the Preparatory Language Training in Japan under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
Composed of 227 nurses and care worker candidates, this 13th batch is expected to leave for Japan this year and will undergo another six months of Japanese language training there prior to their work assignment in various hospitals and care facilities.
Before leaving for Japan, the candidates will undergo six months of Japanese language training. But due to the current pandemic, the classes are going to be held online.
The candidates were provided with computer tablets and funds for internet access, in addition to their daily allowance, for the duration of their training.
The program is being implemented through the joint efforts of the governments of Japan and the Philippines.
Among those who were present in the virtual ceremony were Philippine Overseas Employment Administration chief Bernard P. Olalia, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Director Jocelyn O. Hapal, Suzuki Ben of the Japan Foundation Manila, Philip Sanvictores of Nihongo Center Foundation Inc., and Ishikawa Tetsuya of PAD Foundation, Inc.
Signed in 2006 by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and then Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, JPEPA is an economic pact concerning bilateral investment and free trade between Manila and Tokyo.