On 5 November 2024, an opening ceremony was held to formally begin the Preparatory Japanese Language Training for the 17th Batch of Filipino candidates for nurse and certified careworker under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
During his remarks, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya conveyed his gratitude to the candidates for selecting Japan as the destination for their future aspirations. He also stated that it would be a considerable honor for Japan to experience firsthand the warm professionalism and support of Filipino healthcare workers.
Also in attendance were Undersecretary for Foreign Employment and Welfare Services Felicitas Q. Bay of the Department of Migrant Workers, National Language Skills Center Administrator Mitzi G. Samson-Endriano of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Director SUZUKI Ben of the Japan Foundation, Manila, President Philip B. Sanvictores of the Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc., and Managing-Director, Board of Directors KATAOKA Yoshikazu of Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services.
The 238 candidates will undertake six months of education on Japanese language, culture, and society prior to their deployment to Japan. The training will be implemented online and onsite by the Japan Foundation, Manila and Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc. For the whole duration of the training, each candidate will receive daily living and internet allowances, and will be lent a tablet computer device.
When the candidates arrive in Japan, they will undergo an additional six months of Japanese language training prior to their respective assignments in hospitals and caregiving facilities. The candidates who eventually pass the Japanese national examination for nurse or certified caregiver can further their employment status in Japan beyond their initial number of years under the EPA program.
Interested applicants may visit the official Department of Migrant Workers website for future announcements regarding the program. https://www.dmw.gov.ph/
