PH Embassy and Honorary Consulate in Sapporo Strengthen Engagement with Hokkaido Prefectural Government
A joint delegation from the Philippine Embassy in Japan and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Sapporo, led by Acting Consul General Robert D. Quintin (4th from left), representing PH Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, and Honorary Consul General Ken Luis TOBE, a.h. (3rd from left) engage officials of the Hokkaido Government represented by Eiji YAMAMOTO of the International Affairs Division (5th from right).
TOKYO, 28 October 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Sapporo met with officials of the Hokkaido Prefectural Government on 16 October 2026 to reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting the welfare of Filipino residents in the region and fostering harmonious ties with the local community.
First Secretary and Acting Consul General Robert D. Quintin representing Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, and Consul General Ken Luis TOBE, a.h. led the joint delegation, which was received by Mr. Kunihiro OOYA, Director General of the Global Strategy Promotion of the Hokkaido Prefectural Government. The delegation engaged in substantive discussions with the Hokkaido Prefectural Government represented by Director Eiji YAMAMOTO of the International Affairs Division and Assistant Manager Hiroyuki SATO of the Children and Family Support Division.
As part of its efforts to promote multicultural coexistence between foreign and local communities, the Hokkaido Prefectural Government presented its initiatives to support Filipino residents in adapting to local customs and regulations. The prefectural government regularly conducts information campaigns and orientations for foreign residents on community matters, including Japanese language, daily living and disaster preparedness.
The Hokkaido Prefectural Government highlighted the two-fold increase in the number of foreign residents within the last five (5) years, with over 4,000 Filipinos constituting 5.3 percent of the prefecture’s total foreign population of more than 77,000 as of 2025.
During the visit, the delegation also visited and observed the operations of the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center in Sapporo, which accommodates inquiries and consultation requests in Filipino and other languages. Led by its Director, Mr. Michiaki ODAJIMA, the Center welcomes all kinds of concerns from foreign residents, including education, employment, hospitalization, immigration, and administrative matters.
The delegation visits the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center in Sapporo, with Director Michiaki ODAJIMA (leftmost).
On behalf of Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Acting Consul General Quintin expressed appreciation to the Hokkaido Prefectural Government for its proactive approach in supporting the Filipino community in the region. He conveyed the Embassy’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the prefecture through business and cultural exchanges, sister-city partnerships, and stronger people-to-people exchanges, building on the momentum of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations this year.
Exemplifying the depth of community ties between Filipinos and Japanese residents in Hokkaido, the delegation learned about the inspiring story of a Filipino resident in Kushiro City who has been conducting cooking classes to local residents for more than a decade, introducing them to Filipino dishes such as tinolang tahong and lumpia. This initiative highlights the role of cultural exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and friendship.
The delegation and the Hokkaido Prefectural Government also discussed existing support mechanisms to assist Filipino and foreign residents who are victims of domestic violence, which are guided by prefectural ordinances advocating their empowerment and economic independence. Such measures include protection and temporary shelters, consultations and psychosocial services, and employment assistance.
Honorary Consul General Tobe shared practical insights on engaging the Filipino community in Hokkaido, and commended the prefectural government for its close coordination with the Honorary Consulate in disseminating relevant information to foreign residents.
The brochure of the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center.
The delegation’s visit to Hokkaido coincided with the Embassy’s Consular Outreach Mission in Sapporo on 17 October 2026, which brought essential consular services closer to Filipino residents and encouraged eligible overseas voters to register for the 2028 Philippine National Elections.
The Embassy’s Migrant Workers’ Office (MWO) – Tokyo, Office of the Agriculture Attache, Office of the Tourism Attache and Social Security System (SSS) Japan Office also participated in the inaugural “Pistang Pilipino sa Hokkaido” on 17-18 October 2026 organized by One Network, Co. Ltd. The festival showcased the richness of Philippine culture and celebrated the unity and solidarity of the Filipino community in Hokkaido.
Filipinos in Hokkaido Prefecture are encouraged to learn more about the services provided by the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center by visiting its official social media channels.
