Latest news with #EndoKazuya
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Davao bypass project to help stimulate Mindanao's economy
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya lauded the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, saying that it will help enhance the economic activity in the southern portion of the Philippines. Kazuya branded it as a testament to Japan's commitment in enhancing connectivity in Mindanao. 'Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance mobility, and stimulate economic activity across Mindanao,' Kazuya said in a press release issued Tuesday. The envoy highlighted that the 2.3-kilometer tunnel stands as the longest mountain tunnel in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in the country's road infrastructure. The tunnel connection marks a pivotal point in the overall construction phase, according to Kazuya. 'This cooperation between Manila and Tokyo's is a prime example of our nation's shared commitment to building infrastructure that meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability,' Kazuya said. Kazuya had visited the Davao City Bypass Construction Project and inspected the tunnel excavation site. The Davao City Bypass is the latest in the long line of high-impact infrastructure collaborations between Japan and the Philippines, dating back to the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway. The Philippines and Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, had signed five loan agreements totaling over ¥171 billion to support key infrastructure and development projects. This included the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (Phase III), worth ¥46.338 billion. To recall, Japan remains the country's top Official Development Assistance (ODA) partner, with ongoing support in transport, disaster risk reduction, environmental protection, and peace-building efforts, particularly in the Mindanao region. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
19-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
PH-Japan educational ties strengthen 'Golden Age' relations — envoy
Japan underscored the significance of educational cooperation in strengthening the "Golden Age" of bilateral relations with the Philippines. In a press release issued on Thursday, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said a deeper educational partnership between Manila and Tokyo advances and strengthens their "Golden Age" of bilateral relations. Kazuya also stressed that such collaboration could establish long-term trust and people-to-people connections, which will later support the nation's lasting diplomatic ties. Japan is currently engaged in a number of educational partnerships with the Philippines including trainings, scholarship grants, and student exchanges. Last year, the Department of Education (DepEd) partnered with a Japanese company in a bid to improve the math proficiency of public school learners. The DepEd signed a memorandum of agreement with Japan-based firm Sprix, Inc. to provide public school students free access to the Test of Fundamental Skills (TOFAS). According to DepEd, TOFAS allows teachers to assess students' calculation and problem-solving skills "accurately, providing valuable data to tailor instruction according to each student's needs." To recall, Kazuya welcomed distinguished Japan Studies professors from the University of the Philippines (UP) in April, and De La Salle University (DLSU) and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) in May to his residence in Makati City. Among those who visited him include UP Asian Center Professor Dr. Matthew M. Santamaria, Associate Professor Dr. Jocelyn Celero, Assistant Professor Dr. Karl Ian U. Cheng Chua, retired professor and former Center for International Studies (CIS) director Dr. Cynthia Neri Zayas, and UP CIS Professor Dr. Amparo Adelina Umali III. In a separate meeting, Kazuya also met with DLSU's Department of International Studies Professor Dr. Dennis Trinidad, Associate Professor Dr. Ron Bridget Vilog and ADMU's Japanese Studies Program, Assistant Professors Dr. Kristine Michelle L. Santos and Dr. Hiroko Nagai-Yabut. Also on Thursday, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. flew to Osaka, Japan for a working visit. Last April, Japan said the opening of its new visa processing center in Manila shows the deeper people-to-people relations between the Philippines and Japan. The event was hailed as an "indicator and proof" of the "Golden Age" of the two countries' relations. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
18-06-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Over 200 Pinoy nurses, care workers finish language training for Japan work — embassy
Some Filipino nurses and certified care worker candidates bound for Japan have completed their preparatory language training under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement. A total of 218 candidates, including 19 nurses and 199 care workers, have successfully completed the training, the Embassy of Japan in Manila said. In a statement issued Wednesday, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya conveyed his well wishes to the candidates as he urged them to keep building on what they have learned, noting that Japanese language ability is an essential component for a successful future in Japan. Kazuya said the skill, dedication, and compassion that the nurse and certified care worker candidates bring are deeply appreciated and valued by the Japanese people. The embassy said this was the 17th batch of Filipino nurses and certified care worker candidates. They are scheduled to leave for Japan this month. All candidates were hired through a government-to-government arrangement facilitated by the Department of Migrant Workers and the Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services (JICWELS). Meanwhile, the Preparatory Japanese Language Training (PJLT) for six months was conducted by the Japan Foundation, Manila and the Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc. When they arrive in Japan, they will still undergo an additional six months of more intensive Japanese language training before they can start their assignments in hospitals and caregiving facilities, the embassy said. It added that the training in Japan would be provided free of charge and will include daily living allowances. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
