PH Embassy Honors 39 Graduating Filipino Scholars in Japan in AFSJ’s “Paghayo sa Taglagas 2026”
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano leads the recognition ceremony for the 39 graduating Filipino Scholars in Japan during “Paghayo sa Taglagas 2026” on 15 September 2026.
TOKYO, 18 September 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan, led by Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, hosted “Paghayo sa Taglagas 2026,” a recognition ceremony honoring thirty-nine (39) Filipino scholars graduating from Japanese universities this fall. The event, organized by the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ) and held on 15 September 2026 at the Embassy’s Multi-Purpose Hall, celebrated the academic achievements of Filipino master’s and doctoral students graduating from various Japanese universities.
The hybrid ceremony gathered graduating students, their families, friends, and AFSJ members in person and online. Representatives from the Philippine Association of Japanese Government Scholars (PHILAJAMES), Filipino Professionals in Japan (FPiJ) and AFSJ alumni delivered congratulatory messages and introduced opportunities for the graduates to engage with their respective professional networks.
Paghayo is a semiannual program organized by the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ) to celebrate the academic achievements of Filipino master’s and doctoral students graduating from various Japanese universities.
In her keynote address, Ambassador Garcia-Albano commended the scholars for the dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence they exemplified in navigating Japan’s rigorous academic landscape.
“Your graduation this year is especially meaningful as we commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Bilateral Relations between the Philippines and Japan,” Ambassador Garcia-Albano stated. “The Embassy has always recognized the vital role of Filipino students in strengthening the people-to-people ties between our two countries, as well as in creating avenues for deeper academic exchange and cooperation,” she added.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (4th from left), Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ) President Mr. Kevin Brandon Saure (4th from right), and the members of AFSJ Executive Committee during the Paghayo sa Taglagas 2026 recognition ceremony at the Philippine Embassy.
Established in 1954 and led by its current president, Mr. Kevin Brandon Saure, AFSJ fosters unity among Filipino students and alumni in Japan, supporting their academic excellence and cultural adaptation. The organization actively partners with the Philippine Embassy and the broader Filipino community in Japan on various initiatives that support Filipino students and strengthen community ties. Paghayo is AFSJ’s semiannual recognition program, held at the conclusion of the spring and fall semesters of Japanese universities.
