A lasting commitment
Japanese ambassador keynotes APS program ceremony
On Dec. 15, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Kazuhiko Koshikawa took center stage as the distinguished keynote speaker at the closing ceremony of the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship (APS) program. Hosted at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), the event celebrated 16 years of commitment to peace and development and the last batch of scholars.

The APS Program, a collaborative initiative of the Nippon Foundation, the University for Peace, and ADMU, has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of peacebuilding practitioners and development leaders across Asia. Over the course of 16 years, the program has supported the postgraduate education of more than 400 scholars from Japan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
In his message, Amb. Koshikawa highlighted the significance of international cooperation in fostering peace and collaboration among nations. He also emphasized the critical role programs like the APS and education play in building a peaceful and harmonious future.
The closing ceremony of the APS program was graced by the distinguished presence of key individuals, including Rev. Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, president of Ateneo de Manila University; Maria Luz C. Vilches, VP for Higher Education at ADMU; Francisco Rojas, rector of the University for Peace; Juan Carlos Sainz Borgo, vice-rector of the University for Peace; Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, dean of the School of Social Sciences; and Kiyomi Takahashi, program manager of the Nippon Foundation.
The event also welcomed members of the diplomatic corps, esteemed faculty members, and administrators from ADMU and the University for Peace. Additionally, scholars and alumni from various programs of the Nippon Foundation added to the distinguished gathering, highlighting the program's broad support and lasting impact on individuals dedicated to promoting peace.