Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano expressed gratitude to Ishikawa Governor Hiroshi Hase and the people of Ishikawa for their friendship and hospitality towards the Filipino community on 9 September 2024. The meeting between the two officials took place during the Ambassador’s visit to Ishikawa Prefecture on 7-9 September 2024. (Photo by Ma. Victoria Campos – Philippine Embassy)

10 September 2024 – Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano conducted an official visit to the coastal prefecture of Ishikawa on 7-9 September 2024 to assess ongoing recovery efforts and meet with Filipino community representatives following the devastating earthquake there earlier this year.

Ishikawa Prefecture, located in the Chubu region (central part) of Japan, suffered the worst impact of the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day 2024. The disaster caused 281 deaths, destroyed over 83,000 homes, and displaced nearly 34,000 residents.

In the immediate aftermath, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed the Philippines’ readiness to support the Japanese government’s response. Last July, the Philippine government turned over financial humanitarian aid to the Ishikawa prefectural government to assist the affected individuals and communities.

“Japan has been a steadfast partner and true friend to the Philippines, always offering support in times of need. It is only fitting that we extend the same generosity and compassion to the people of Ishikawa as they work on recovery and rebuilding,” Ambassador Garcia-Albano said at the conclusion of her visit.

In her meeting with Ishikawa Governor Hiroshi Hase on 9 September, the Ambassador thanked Governor Hase and the people of Ishikawa for their friendship and hospitality towards the Filipino community. She expressed optimism about the continued strengthening of Philippines-Japan relations, including in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

During her visit, Ambassador Garcia-Albano also held discussions with members of the Filipino communities from Ishikawa, Fukui, Toyama, Aichi, and Gifu prefectures, which collectively host approximately 64,000 Filipinos. The Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya, which exercises consular jurisdiction over the Chubu region, was represented by Consul General Roy Ecraela.

Ambassador Garcia-Albano acknowledged the contributions of Filipino workers to Japan’s economy and society, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Embassy and the Consulate General to delivering efficient services to Filipinos in Japan. She also encouraged them to participate in the May 2025 national elections through online voting.

The Ambassador and other Embassy and Consulate officials fielded questions from the Filipino community on labor concerns, consular requirements and procedures, and overseas voting processes, among others.

The program for the three-day visit was co-organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya and the Political Section of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (seated, center), Consul General Roy B. Ecraela (seated, 2nd from right) with members of the Filipino communities in the Chubu region, 8 September 2024. (Photo by Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya)

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