Neg Occ, Japanese language school sign MOA

BACOLOD CITY (PNA) — The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and the Kyushu Japanese Language School have partnered to provide a twoyear scholarship for three Negrenses who will be studying in Japan.

The province announced Monday the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Kyushu school president Manabu Taniguchi in rites held at the provincial capitol.

It was witnessed by Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division head Karen Dinsay, Negros Occidental Language and IT Center administrator Cristina Orbecido, executive assistant Yoji Watanabe, and Shun Senokuchi of the Kyushu Japanese Language School.

The scholars are Kris Jane Bandejas, Arnelie Mayo, and Ria Arlos.

During their language study in Japan, they will be allowed to work 28 hours each week to support their living expenses.

The MOA also stated that the scholars are assured of their safety and security during their stay in Japan and will be assisted for admission to a university or employment in a company after their two-year study.

Marañon said that in Japan, there is a huge demand for Filipino human resources especially in the medical and hotel and restaurant management fields because of its ageing population.

Through the scholarship program, more Negrense students will be given opportunities to study in Japan every year, he added.

Last month, 24 Negrenses also completed the Basic Japanese Language and Culture Course in preparation for potential employment in Japan.

It is a separate Capitol scholarship program which aims to produce qualified professional and skilled Negrenses to study and work in Japan implemented with the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement (OISCA).

The 24 graduates, coming from various cities and municipalities in the province, trained under Japanese instructors Yoshiako Kato and Osamu Aisaka for three months.