Philippine Ambassador Champions Shared Values and Global Citizenship in Gunma Lecture Series
Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano delivered her lecture, “The Philippines in the World: Values, Identity, and Diplomacy for Peace” in the Global Citizenship” as part of the Lecture Series by Ambassadors, held at the Gunma Prefectural Women’s University on 24 June 2025.
TOKYO, 26 June 2025 – Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano visited Gunma Prefecture on 24 June 2025 to deliver a keynote lecture in the “Global Citizenship: Lecture Series by Ambassadors,” jointly organized by the Goi Peace Foundation and Gunma Prefectural Women’s University (GPWU). The Ambassador’s lecture, entitled “The Philippines in the World: Values, Identity, and Diplomacy for Peace,” served as the centerpiece of a day-long program focused on promoting dialogue, cultural understanding, and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Japan.
In her address to students and faculty of GPWU’s International Communication program, Ambassador Garcia-Albano spoke on the theme of shared humanity and global responsibility, drawing on Philippine cultural values such as kapwa (shared identity) and bayanihan (communal unity). She emphasized the importance of empathy, inclusive leadership, and intercultural communication in diplomacy and peacebuilding.
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, inclusion, and sustainable development,” the Ambassador said. “As students of international communication, you are in a unique position to shape the conversations and connections that will define your generation. Your voices, ideas, and actions matter, and I hope you will use them to build bridges, foster deeper understanding, and lead with empathy.”
Seven (7) students from the Gunma Prefectural Women’s University expressed their interest in learning more about the Philippines and culture.
The Ambassador’s lecture also highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, referencing the landmark Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the only peace accord in the world to be signed by a woman chief negotiator. She underscored the vital role of women and youth in building inclusive and resilient societies.
The session included a Q&A with students and was complemented by video presentations on the Philippines and Philippines-Japan relations, and the Philippine Pavilion in the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
Since 2005, the Goi Peace Foundation has co-organized the “Global Citizenship: Lecture Series by Ambassadors” with the Faculty of International Communication of the Gunma Prefectural Women’s University. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the program.
Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano expressed her appreciation to Gunma Prefectural Women’s University President Hiroki Shiozawa for the opportunity to inform students about the Philippines and Philippine-Japan relations through the Lecture Series.
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Garcia-Albano visited Sun Vertex Co., Ltd. in Takasaki City, where she met with Filipino workers and company officials, including President Ms. Noriko Ogawa. She expressed appreciation to the company for supporting its Filipino workforce and contributing to the vibrant economic exchange between the Philippines and Japan.
Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (6th from the left) and Sun Vertex President Ms. Noriko Ogawa (5th from left) with three Filipino Sun Vertex engineers, Sun Vertex executives, and Embassy officials.
She also paid a call on Gunma Deputy Governor Yasuhiro Otsuka, with whom she discussed areas for collaboration such as agriculture and the digital arts and creative industries. The Ambassador likewise highlighted the importance of local partnerships that benefit both Filipinos and Japanese communities. She cited as an example the sister-city relationship between Takasaki City and Muntinlupa City in the Philippines.
Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano and Gunma Deputy Governor Yasuhiro Otsuka during the former’s visit in Gunma Prefecture on 24 June 2025.
As a fitting end to the visit, the Ambassador met with Filipino community leaders in Gunma, reaffirming the Embassy’s dedication to promoting the welfare of overseas Filipinos and strengthening their connections with both the Philippines and their host communities in Japan.
There are an estimated 9,395 Filipinos in Gunma.
Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano with the Filipino community leaders in Gunma.
