PH Embassy Brings Services Closer To Filipinos in Ibaraki
Philippine Embassy in Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus (10th from left, on stage) together with Acting Consul General Robert D. Quintin (11th from left, on stage), First Secretary and Consul Fatima G. Quintin (7th from left, on stage) and Labor Attaché Ramon Lamberto C. Pastrana are joined by personnel of the Embassy and partner agencies, as well as members of the Filipino community in Ibaraki.
TOKYO, 29 April 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan successfully conducted a Consular Outreach Mission and Kumustahan ng Pasuguan: Meet and Greet with the Filipino Community in Ibaraki on 19 April 2026 at the Chikusei Municipal General Welfare Services Center in Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
The activity formed part of the Embassy’s continuing efforts to bring government services closer to Filipinos across Japan and to strengthen its engagement with Filipino communities throughout the country.
Members of the Filipino community avail themselves of consular services during the Embassy’s Consular Outreach Mission in Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture, on 19 April 2026.
The Kumustahan ng Pasuguan was held following the Embassy’s consular outreach activities, which enabled Filipinos in Ibaraki and nearby prefectures to avail themselves of various consular services and assistance offered by the Embassy and its attached agencies. The program also featured performances by members of the Filipino Community and Philippine-based artists.
Philippine Embassy in Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus delivers his welcome remarks to the Filipino Community in Ibaraki during the Kumustahan ng Pasuguan: Meet and Greet with the Filipino Community in Ibaraki on 19 April 2026.
In his welcome remarks, the Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Christian L. De Jesus expressed the Embassy’s appreciation to the Filipino community leaders in Chikusei, led by Ms. Maria Wena Inoue of LAHI (Love, Acceptance, Hands-on, Integrity) Association, for their invaluable support in organizing the activity. He also acknowledged the active participation of members of the Filipino community in Ibaraki and encouraged them to continue working closely with the Embassy in advancing the welfare of kababayans in Japan.
“The Embassy remains steadfast in its commitment to continuing robust and collaborative partnership with the Filipino Community in Ibaraki. Your concerns, feedback, and active participation are vital in helping us further improve the delivery of our services to our kababayan in Japan,” DCM De Jesus remarked.
Chikusei City Mayor Emiko SHIDARA also attended the event, reaffirming the city government’s support for continued engagement with the Filipino community and its cooperation with the Philippine Embassy on areas of common interest, including local governance and agricultural cooperation.
Acting Consul General Robert D. Quintin briefs members of the Filipino community in Ibaraki on the Philippine Embassy’s consular services and other relevant updates during the Embassy’s outreach activity.
The program featured updates from the Embassy’s Consular and Cultural Sections, along with presentations from the Migrant Workers Office–Tokyo and Social Security System (SSS)–Japan. An open forum followed, giving members of the Filipino community a chance to raise concerns, ask questions about Embassy services, and offer feedback to help improve service delivery.
Special performances presented during the Kumustahan ng Pasuguan: Meet and Greet with the Filipino Community in Ibaraki on 19 April 2026.
Special performances were also presented by the Madayaw Philippine Folk Dancers, Ms. Jonalyn Irene, the Shimodate Catholic Church Dancers, and guest artists soprano Angeli Benipayo and pianist Gabriel Allan Paguirigan, who performed selections from the kundiman and Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Philippine Embassy in Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus (center) and Chikusei City Hall Policy Planning Division Manager Takuya Chiba (left) are toured by Mr. Shogo Yabata (right), Division Manager of the Planning and Public Relations Division of KEK group, during the visit to the company’s tomato farm in Chikusei City.
Philippine Embassy in Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus (left) and Mr. Shogo Yabata (right), Division Manager of the Planning and Public Relations Division of KEK group, during the visit to the company’s tomato sorting facility in Chikusei City.
Earlier in the day, DCM De Jesus visited Kyowa Horticultural Development Co., Ltd. (KEK), where he was welcomed by Mr. Shogo YABATA, Division Manager of the Planning and Public Relations Division of KEK group. Mr. Yabata then guided DCM De Jesus through the tomato farm and the company’s sorting facility, where he briefed him on KEK’s operations, including its cultivation methods and post‑harvest handling systems. Mr. Yabata shared that KEK produces a significant volume of tomatoes during peak harvest season, supported by advanced cultivation methods and efficient post-harvest handling systems that help maintain high standards of productivity and quality.
The visit provided insight into local agricultural practices in Chikusei City and highlighted KEK’s role in promoting efficient and high-quality tomato production in the area.
Chikusei City Council President Takanori Tanaka (leftmost), Chikusei City Mayor Emiko Shidara (2nd from the left), Philippine Embassy in Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus (2nd from the right), and Prefectural Assembly Member Shinji Inagawa (rightmost) at the Naige Daijingu Shrine during the opening of its Annual Festival 2026 in Chikusei City, Ibaraki.
DCM De Jesus also visited the Naige Daijingu Shrine for the opening of its Annual Festival, where he was received by Chikusei City Mayor Shidara. The visit reflected the partnership between the Embassy and the Chikusei City government, and underscored the importance of cultural and people‑to‑people exchanges in further deepening ties between the Philippines and Japan.
The Philippine Embassy in Japan remains committed to maintaining strong and meaningful partnerships with Filipino communities across Japan, while deepening engagement with local governments to promote cooperation and advance shared initiatives, through sustained dialogue and active collaboration.
