ODAN-J celebrates 30th anniversary

THE Organization for the Development and Advancement of Negros in Japan (ODAN-J) celebrated its 30th anniversary held in Tokyo, Japan anchored on a theme: "Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate Negros!"

Judie A. Alvaran, ODAN-J chairman, said this organization is a legend of the Filipino community in the land of the rising sun.

Among the people who graced the grand celebration were Philippine Ambassador to Tokyo, Japan Jose C. Laurel V; ODAN-J founder, lawyer John N. Orola, Jr.; founding president, Eleanor Fukuda; chairman of Japan Negros Friendship Association, Akira Aizawa; Sumida City Councilor, Tokyo, Japan, Inoue Noemi; and First Secretary and Consul General Embassy of the Philippines Charmaine Serna Chua.

"This milestone is a testament to the organization's noble purpose and indefatigable efforts in promoting the welfare of the people of Negros both here in Japan and in the Philippines through various areas of support,” Laurel said

The ambassador also added that the organization’s endeavors has helped unite Negrenses in Japan towards “advancing economic and cultural exchanges between the Philippines and Japan, as well as fostering sustainable development in the province of Negros through various initiatives and projects.”

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, who is a personal friend of the ODAN-J officials, congratulated them on the occasion of its 30th anniversary celebration.

"I am happy that, from a fledgling group, you have grown into a strong organization of caring and supporting for your fellow Negrenses in Japan, their children, and their family members,” Leonardia said.

“You have as well shown and put into action your concern for your city and province of your birth as can be seen by the community projects you have undertaken here in the city, mentioning especially the Day Care Center you put up in Barangay 35 which until today continues to nurture preschoolers,” he said.

Through the various community outreach programs done in Japan, Orola said that ODAN-J has “not failed in this expectation” to extended help to many unfortunate and less privileged Negrenses.

He also thanked founding president Fukuda for bringing its members together.

“Kudos and salute to ODAN-J especially to Founding President Fukuda for her personal effort in bringing all its members together with love, unity, respect and dignity, worthy of emulation by her countrymen in the land of the rising sun,” Orola said.

Fukuda, for her part, said that she hopes that the next generation will continue the legacy of Orola’s who was a former Philippine Tourism Attaché in Japan

Akira Aizawa, chairman of the Japan Negros Friendship Association, hoped that JFNA will continue to contribute to the development of the Negros Island by conducting business-related endeavors that will have an influence on the culture, art and human exchange programs that will succeed both places.