PH Embassy Hosts AFSJ’s Student and Research Colloquium in Celebration of 70th Anniversary of PH-JP Friendship
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano delivers her keynote message during Dunong 2026: Knowledge and Research Colloquium organized by the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ) held on 11-12 April 2026 in hybrid format, as one of the commemorative events for the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations.
TOKYO 20 April 2026 – As part of its year-long celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations with the theme Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities, the Philippine Embassy in Japan hosted Dunong 2026: Knowledge and Research Colloquium organized by the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ) on 11-12 April 2026 through a hybrid format.
“The Embassy is pleased to host Dunong 2026 as one of the commemorative activities for the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations. People-to-people exchanges, particularly in education, have long been one of the enduring pillars of Philippines-Japan relations, and this colloquium provides an excellent platform to present the studies of experts across various disciplines, including those that may open new avenues for cooperation between our two countries. It is also an ideal opportunity for both Filipino and Japanese students, researchers and members of the academic community to further reinforce partnerships that will positively impact our respective countries and peoples,” highlighted Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano in her keynote message.
Mr. Kevin Brandon Saure, President of the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ) during his presentation of the organization and the Dunong 2026: Knowledge and Research Colloquium.
AFSJ President, Mr. Kevin Brandon Saure, underscored the importance of a strong support network for Filipino students in Japan, and expanding partnerships with Filipino and Japanese institutions to strengthen education-related initiatives.
Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale, Jr., President of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) (left), and Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, President of the Visayas State University (VSU) (right) during their respective remarks in Dunong 2026.
The need for collaboration and cooperation in the field of education and research was also reinforced by Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale, Jr., President of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), and Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, President of the Visayas State University (VSU) during their respective remarks. Both NVSU and VSU were partner institutions of AFSJ for Dunong 2026.
The two-day event featured information and discussion sessions on educational opportunities, career development and intercultural understanding, as well as research presentations of Filipino scholars in Japan spanning humanities, social sciences, finance, economics, public administration, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Speakers included Dr. Voltaire Cang, Filipino specialist researcher at the Research Center for Ethniculture Studies in Japan, and Dr. Fernand delos Reyes, Assistant Professor of Mercy University in the United States and former AFSJ President.
Members of the Association of Filipino Students in Japan and some of the in-person participants pose for a photo with the online participants during Day 1 of Dunong 2026: Knowledge and Research Colloquium on 11 April 2026 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Philippine Embassy in Japan.
AFSJ’s partner Filipino and Japanese student-based organizations, namely: Kyoto Association of Pinoy Scholars (KAPS), Philippine Hiroshima University Student Organization, Hokkaido Association of Filipino Students (HAFS), Friends International Work Camp Kanto Committee (FIWC) Kanto, and NGO Alpha actively participated as speakers and discussants in the colloquium.
Screenshot of some of the online participants, speakers and members of the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ) during Dunong 2026: Knowledge and Research Colloquium.
Dunong is one of AFSJ’s annual flagship events. Regularly conducted online, the 2026 iteration of the colloquium is the first in hybrid format. More than 300 in-person and online participants, composed mostly of students and members of the academe from the Philippines, Japan, and other countries, attended the event.
AFSJ was established in 1954 and currently has more than 150 members from universities and academic institutions across Japan. The group organizes regular learning sessions, research activities, and other socio-cultural initiatives for its members, and student network in Japan and in the Philippines.
Aside from Dunong 2026, the Embassy is set to host several activities for the 70th Anniversary highlighting various areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.
