JAPAN-BOUND NEGRENSES CALL ON GOV. LACSON AND ATTY. DIAZ
Recently, fifteen Negrense professionals on their way to Japan to study Japanese language and culture for two years met with Governor Bong Lacson and Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.
The first batch scholars are Jan Leonard Abrasaldo, Marlon Undan, Emee Joy Baylon, Jireh Grace Espartero, Marilyn Galvez, Renz Jason Maja, John Dee Pasague, Aljan Sendico, James Tillaman and Jennelyn Boquail while the second batch includes Joy Aldover, Andrea Amisola, Mara Christyl Santisteban, Vanessa Viñas and Christal Aina Villar.
This scholarship program is in coordination with The Cooperative Association for Yomiuri Shimbun Distribution Services, Inc. based in Chiba, Japan with Mr. Fumio Mizuno as its focal person.
The Provincial Government through the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division (NOSPD) headed by Karen Dinsay and assisted by April Joy Duran of the Special Programs and Concerns Division, facilitated the scholarship and travel documents of the scholars as part of the education and career support program of the province.
Prior to their departure, the scholars received basic Japanese and cultural instruction at OISCA – Bago Training Center.
After their two years study in Japan, the scholars must pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in order for them to enter a business school in Japan and for them to support themselves while studying in Japan, the scholars will work part-time in different newspaper companies under the association for Yomiuri Shimbun.
The first batch scholars were supposed to travel to Japan in year 2020 but was hampered because of border closure due to the pandemic.
Atty. Diaz advised the scholars to take good care of their health because it will allow them to continue pursuing their dreams, adding that they must always keep their thoughts and dedication to their work.
“This definitely will be a life changing experience and that you will feel empowered after two years, but along the way, there will be struggles and I hope you are ready for that because there is no turning back,” said Gov. Lacson.
The governor also said that the success and failure of the scholars lies in their hands, and what’s important is that they will be happy and will be able to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
“I want to tell you that Japan values loyalty so I hope you don’t decide to leave the company that is helping you and gave you the break,” he added.
The nine students landed in Japan on April 3 about 4 p.m. and are currently undergoing a seven-day quarantine in their individual homes, while the second group is due to arrive on Friday, April 8, 2022.
