Ambassador Endo attends opening of Japanese language training for JPEPA nurse and certified careworker candidates

On Tuesday, Ambassador Endo Kazuya 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 Kazuya expressed that Japan is honored to welcome Filipino healthcare workers.

He stated that the EPA candidates would serve as a bridge between the two nations through people-to-people exchange and contribute to the further strengthening of Japan-Philippines relations.

The ambassador also encouraged the candidates to focus on their studies over the next six months, as the knowledge and skills they will gain will lay the groundwork for their success in Japan.

Also in attendance were Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Language Skills Center Administrator Mitzi Samson-Endriano, Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc. (NCF) President Philip 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 Japanese 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. Japan Information and Culture Center