IN A bid to increase chances of Filipino nurses and caregivers in Japan, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is pushing for an improved language training program in the country.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said it is important that Filipino candidates know more than just speaking Nihongo.
“Intensified language training for Japan-bound nurses and caregivers will boost the workers’ chances of passing the difficult licensure examinations given by the host country,” said Baldoz.
This was seconded by Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)-Tokyo Officer-in-Charge Maria Luz Talento as she stressed the need to focus on communication skills more than just the plain language skills.
“Even though the applicants are able to speak Japanese, it cannot make up for an inability to communicate verbally and in writing with their co-workers and immediate superiors,” related Talento.
She also noted that the Japanese culture has a specific set of regulations and principles about the proper way of communicating, especially in workplaces.
Among the modules being eyed by the department are orientations about workplace diversity, Japanese legal system, and Japanese workplace culture.
Under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), qualified candidates need to complete a six-month Japanese language training in Japan and undertake on-the-job training at their respective hospitals.
Nurses should be able to pass the licensure examination in Japan before they can work as registered nurses.
Caregivers, on the other hand, are required to complete at least three years training before they can take a national examination. (AMN/Sunnex)