Ambassador Endo Kazuya recently attended the opening ceremony for the Preparatory Japanese Language Training (PJLT) for the 18th batch of Filipino candidates for nurse and certified careworker under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
In his remarks, Ambassador Endo said the candidates under the EPA program are seen to serve as a bridge between the Philippines and Japan through people-to-people exchange and contribute to strengthening their bilateral relations further.
The Ambassador also noted the knowledge and skills gained by the candidates will lay the groundwork for their success in Japan.
Also in attendance during the online opening ceremony were Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Language Skills Center Administrator Mitzi G. Samson-Endriano, Nihongo Center Foundation Inc. (NCF) President Philip B. Sanvictores, Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) Director Suzuki Ben, and Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services (JICWELS) Managing Director Kataoka Yoshikazu.
The 225 candidates will undergo six months of PJLT to learn the language, culture, and social etiquette prior to their deployment to Japan. The training will be conducted online by the JFM and the NCF and is free of charge for the candidates.
Upon arrival in Japan, the candidates will undergo an additional six months of Japanese language training before their respective assignments in hospitals and caregiving facilities.
Passers of the Japanese national examination for nurses or certified caregivers may further their employment status in Japan beyond their initial period under the JPEPA program.
