Philippine Embassy awards recognition to successful Filipino graduates from Japanese Universities
The Philippine Embassy awarded recognition to successful Filipino doctoral and masteral students who have graduated from their studies, in partnership with the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ), on 20 September 2019.
This year, 24 Filipino students together with their parents, family and friends, participated in the annual “Paghayo sa Taglagas”. The students, both from the public and private sectors, received degrees from Japanese universities in various fields including economics, public policy, business administration, agriculture, chemistry, engineering, biosciences and occupational therapy. Most of them are recipients of scholarships from Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Japan International Cooperation Agency as well as from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
Garbed in their obi-sablays, representing both Filipino and Japanese cultures,the graduates received their medals and certificates of recognition from Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V
In his remarks, Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V enjoined the students to “take part in nation-building by bringing home their knowledge, and discerning well what is for the greater good.” He challenged them to be shining examples to others, having been blessed with outstanding education from the most reputable universities not only in Japan but in the world. In the same vein, Professor Nobuo Ohshima, the ceremony’s guest of honor from the Tokyo Metropolitan University, encouraged the graduates to share their knowledge to others who have not been given the opportunity of a good education.
In response, Dr. Michael Palapal Sy, PhD delivered his remarks on behalf of the graduates and emphasized the need to redefine what it means to be successful, especially in a world that has equated “more” with success.
Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V, Professor Nobuo Ohshima and Dr. Michael Palapal Sy, PhD,giving encouragement and sharing words of wisdom to the graduates
The successful graduates were awarded with medals and certificates of recognition for successfully completing their studies in Japan.
The Philippine Embassy has long been supporting the AFSJ which provides assistance to Filipino students in Japan. Its network includes current and past students of Japanese schools and universities. The AFSJ is a member of the Japan Student Services Organization. There are currently 3,010 Filipinos studying in Japan.
