Japan and Aklan: Ensuring Synergy on Scholarships and Employment

By Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

KALIBO, Aklan- The Japanese government and private companies partnered with the Aklan Polytechnic College (APC) and Arwan Cristan Kalibo to hire a variety of workers, including caregivers, nurses, drivers, mechanics, and farmers. Classes are being held at APC for those who are interested in studying basic and advanced Japanese which is necessary for conversing in their nation where the language is dominant.

On July 16, 2024, Yuji Yamamoto, a member of the House of Representatives and former Minister of State for Financial Services, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Attorney arrived in Aklan to visit Governor Jose Enrique M. Miraflores and to officially launch the Yuji Yamamoto Scholarship at APC.

Along with Yamamoto were Tomoyuki Nakano, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism Director; Takeshi Moritori, President of Punctual Co. Ltd.; Shoji Nagato, JR Shikoku Senior Managing Director; and Seiichi Ezaki, JR Shikoku Director.

The dignitaries were warmly welcomed at the Kalibo International Airport by APC School Director Jonathan P. Gallito Jr., Kalibo Councilor Matt Aaron P. Guzman, and Aklan PESO Manager Marsh B. Bernabe who had initial dialogues with the Japanese representatives in hiring Aklanon workers.

The Japanese visitors left the airport and went to the Aklan State University-Main Campus in Barangay Andagao for a brief visit before proceeding to the press conference at the Provincial Capitol where media practitioners and representatives from national government agencies were present. It was followed by a short program at the Audio Visual Room at the Aklan Tourism and Trade Investment Promotion Center in the presence of provincial officials and department heads.

Governor Miraflores expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government and the private corporations for choosing to partner with the Province of Aklan and for providing job opportunities to Aklanons which will boost the employment and economic sectors of the province. He mentioned that a strengthened partnership will contribute to local stability and global progress.

Kochi Prefecture presented Shikoku Island, one of the four main islands of Japan but a well-developed island known for sea kayaking, surfing, whale watching, and its legendary udon noodles. Shikoku Island has the smallest population among the islands with four million residents hence, one of the reasons why the Japanese government wants to collaborate with the Provincial Government of Aklan and also a private partnership with APC to hire globally competent workers for jobs requiring diverse services.

After the dialogue, the visitors were accompanied by Governor Miraflores to the Aklan Agri-Aqua Demonstration Farm and Training Center in Barangay Nalook which is a certified Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) of the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI).

Later that evening, the Yuji Yamamoto Scholarship was launched at the APC Grounds with scholars, students, and teachers as the audience. More than 500 workers are estimated to be hired in Japan with a minimum salary of 100,000 pesos monthly. The dignitaries pledged that they would help in the processing of the visa under the new regulation with the support of the government to ensure the safety and welfare of the Aklanon workers.

The press conference, the dialogue with the Provincial Government of Aklan, and the launching of the scholarship are remarkable milestones in the relationship between Japan and Aklan. This initiative marks a significant step forward in bilateral relations and an opportunity for shared growth, development, and prosperity.

Domo arigato gozaimasu!