Philippine Embassy Engages With Ibaraki Prefectural Government on Supporting Filipino Residents
The delegation of the Philippine Embassy in Japan led by Consul General Robert D. Quintin (3rd from left) meets with the Ibaraki Prefecture Foreign National Policy Division represented by Director Shingo MURAKAMI (4th from right).
MITO 20 May 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan exchanged views and shared best practices on assisting foreign residents during its call on officials of the Ibaraki Prefectural Government on 17 April 2026, as part of the Embassy’s series of activities with the Filipino community and Japanese partners in the region.
The Embassy’s delegation was led by First Secretary and Acting Consul General Robert D. Quintin, who conveyed the appreciation of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano for the prefecture’s openness to exploring collaborative opportunities in promoting mutual understanding and harmonious relations between Filipino and local communities.
The delegation was received by the prefecture’s Foreign National Policy Division, represented by Director Shingo MURAKAMI. The Foreign National Policy Division was recently established to implement policies that promote harmonious coexistence and raising awareness regarding Japan’s laws and customs among foreign residents. During the meeting, the division provided an overview of its current activities and priorities in connecting with foreign residents in the prefecture.
Ibaraki Prefecture is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of foreign residents, with over 111,000 foreign nationals as of 2025. Based on available figures, there are 12,037 Filipinos residing in the prefecture.
During the exchange of views, the prefectural officials likewise introduced its International Exchange Association, which offers Japanese language classes and facilitates community engagement activities with foreign residents. The association also operates the “Ibaraki Native Communication Supporters” system, launched in 2024, through which a network of certified supporters assist foreign residents in multiple languages – including Tagalog – on various concerns in daily living, including hospital visits, administrative procedures, and childcare.
The prefectural government also shared that it organizes free consultation days for foreign residents with lawyers, administrative consultants, and social insurance and labor consultants at least five (5) times a year. The next free consultation day will be held in Tsukuba City on 31 May 2026.
Tsukuba City’s Free One-day Consultation with specialists scheduled on 31 May 2026.
The Embassy likewise presented its priorities in supporting the Filipino community and current activities in the prefecture, particularly the city-wide cultural presentation on the Philippines in all junior high schools of Chikusei City, the Consular Outreach Mission in Chikusei City, and Meet and Greet with the Filipino Community in Ibaraki.
Filipinos in Ibaraki Prefecture may explore the services provided by the Ibaraki International Exchange Association through its website.
The brochure of the Ibaraki Native Communication Supporters system.
