Philippine Ambassador Visits Ibaraki Prefecture, Strengthens Ties With Local Community
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (seated, center) led a delegation to Ibaraki Prefecture on 20 August 2024. Her visit was upon the invitation of Representative Yamato Aoyama (seated, 2nd from right). The Ambassador was received at Tsukuba Memorial Hospital by its officials, including its Chief Director, Mr. Tsuyoshi Koseki (seated, 3rd from right). MWO-Tokyo chief Ramon Lamberto Pastrana (seated, leftmost), the Embassy’s Political Officer Jan Kenneth Bolante (seated, 2nd from left), Welfare Officer Geronico Herrera (standing, 3rd from right), Political staff officer Avela Semana (standing 2nd from right), Political staff officer Victoria Campos (standing, 4th from right), interpreter Masami Nasu (standing, rightmost), and Rafael Garcia-Albano (standing, 5th from right) composed the Ambassador’s delegation.
21 August 2024 – Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano conducted an official visit to Ibaraki Prefecture on 20 August 2024, upon the invitation of Representative Yamato Aoyama. The Ambassador was accompanied by a delegation comprising officials from the Political Section of the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office-Tokyo (MWO-Tokyo).
The Ambassador’s visit commenced at Tsukuba Memorial Hospital, which is known for its advanced medical technology and patient-centered care. Tsukuba City, often referred to as Japan’s “Science City,” is home to numerous prestigious research institutions, including the University of Tsukuba, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK). During the visit, Ambassador Garcia-Albano cited the hospital’s contributions to medical science and emphasized the importance of healthcare collaboration between the Philippines and Japan.
Following her engagements at Tsukuba Memorial Hospital, Ambassador Garcia-Albano proceeded to Tsuchiura City, which is located along the western shore of Lake Kasumigaura. Tsuchiura City hosts a diverse population, including approximately 1,072 Filipinos, making it the second-largest Filipino community in Ibaraki Prefecture. One of the city’s most prominent figures is professional sumo wrestler Akira Takayasu, whose mother, Bebelita Bernadas Takayasu, hails from the Philippines.
The Ambassador had the opportunity to meet with Filipino workers based in Tsuchiura City. She lauded the Filipinos for their resilience and the positive impact they continue to make in both Japan and the Philippines. She reaffirmed the Philippine Embassy’s commitment to providing unwavering support to the Filipino community.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano also encouraged the Filipinos in Tsuchiura City to participate in the upcoming May 2025 Philippine national elections. She urged them to exercise their right to vote, underscoring that “Your vote is your voice.” To facilitate this, the embassy delegation distributed flyers containing information on the registration process for overseas online voters.
In her meeting with Tsuchiura City Mayor Mariko Ando, Ambassador Garcia-Albano expressed her appreciation to the government and people of Tsuchiura City for their proactive efforts in fostering cultural exchanges and promoting the integration of expatriates into the local community.
“I am deeply grateful to Representative Yamato Aoyama, Mayor Mariko Ando, the officials of Tsukuba Memorial Hospital, and fellow Filipinos for their warm reception and meaningful discussions during this visit. The spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that exist between the Philippines and Japan are very much evident in our engagements in Ibaraki,” said the Ambassador.
A brief Q&A with the local press capped the Ambassador’s visit to Ibaraki.
Located northeast of Tokyo, Ibaraki Prefecture is considered a crucial center of scientific and technological advancement in Japan, housing leading research institutions specializing in nuclear power and industrial materials manufacturing, among others. More than 11,000 Filipinos reside across the prefecture. The Philippine Embassy last conducted a consular outreach mission in Ibaraki on 23 June 2024.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano with Mr. Tsuyoshi Koseki, Chief Director of the Tsukuba Memorial Hospital on 20 August 2024.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano and Embassy officials, with members of the Filipino community in Tsuchiura City, Representative Yamato Aoyama, and officials of SHINKI Co.Ltd. on 20 August 2024.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano was warmly received by Tsuchiura City Mayor Mariko Ando on 20 August 2024.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano and Representative Yamato Aoyama posed with a standee of Filipino-Japanese sumo wrestler Akira Takayasu at the Tsuchiura City hall on 20 August 2024.
