Duterte meets Filipino community after arriving Tuesday afternoon
TOKYO--Some 1,400 Filipinos are expected to welcome President Rodrigo Duterte here Tuesday as he begins his three-day official visit on the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Duterte is set to arrive here late afternoon and meet with the Filipino community at the Palace Hotel.
Berlito Toots Capulong, one of the thousands of Filipinos here who will have the opportunity to meet with Duterte, told the Daily Manila Shimbun he hopes the president could have more agreements with Japan that will allow more Filipinos to work here.
"I hope there will be more tie ups to get more Filipinos working here in Japan because we are more qualified to work here," the 49-year old Filipino said.
He said Filipinos are known for being flexible, hardworking, can easily learn and speak the Japanese language, and compassionate.
Capulong has been a resident here for 25 years.
He hopes the Philippine government could come up with OFW hotlines so it could immediately know concerns of Filipinos here.
On his second day here, Duterte will be given an arrival ceremony at the Prime Minister' Office. He will have an expanded bilateral meeting with Abe and they will issue a joint statement after witnessing the signing of some agreements.
Abe will also hold a dinner for him and to the members of his delegation.
The officers of the Japan-Philippine Parliamentarians Friendship League will also call on Duterte.
Duterte will also witness the signing of the letters of intent of some business groups, and speak before the Philippine Economic Forum.
In his last day here, several executives will call on him, such as Japan International Cooperation Agency President Shinichi Kitaoka from the Japan External Trade Organization, Marubeni, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.
Before flying home, Duterte will call on Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace. Celerina Monte/DMS
