PH Embassy in Tokyo Awards Successful Filipino Graduates from Japanese Universities

Garbed in their obi-sablays, representing both Filipino and Japanese cultures, the graduates received medals and certificates of recognition from Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V (seated, fourth from left). (Tokyo PE photo)

TOKYO 10 October 2019 — The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, in partnership with the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ), awarded recognition to successful Filipino postgraduate students in Japan on 20 September 2019. 

This year, 24 Filipino students, along with their parents, family and friends, participated in the annual “Paghayo sa Taglagas”. The students received degrees from Japanese universities in various fields, including economics, public policy, business administration, agriculture, chemistry, engineering, biosciences, and occupational therapy. 

Most of the students were scholars of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank.

In his remarks, Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V enjoined the students to “take part in nation-building by bringing home their knowledge, and discerning well what is for the greater good.” He challenged them to be the shining examples to others, having been blessed with outstanding education from the most reputable universities not only in Japan but also in the world.

In the same vein, Tokyo Metropolitan University Professor Nobuo Ohshima, the ceremony’s guest of honor, encouraged the graduates to share their knowledge with others who have not been given the opportunity of a good education.

Dr. Michael Palapal Sy, PhD delivered a response on behalf of the graduates, and emphasized the need to redefine what it means to be successful, especially in a world that has equated “more” with success.

The graduates were awarded medals and certificates of recognition for completing their studies in Japan.

The Embassy has long been supporting the AFSJ, which assists Filipino students in Japan. Its network includes current and past students of Japanese schools and universities. The AFSJ is a member of the Japan Student Services Organization. 

There are currently 3,010 Filipinos studying in Japan. END

From left: Ambassador Laurel, Professor Nobuo Ohshima and Dr. Michael Palapal Sy, PhD, give encouragement and share words of wisdom to the graduates. (Tokyo PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.tokyo.philembassy.net or https://www.tokyope.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinJapan/.