NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Katsumi Hamada of the Cooperative Association for Yomiuri Shimbun Distribution Services based in Tokyo, Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a scholarship grant for five young professionals who will undergo a three-month intensive Japanese language training.
The virtual signing was held at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City Thursday, October 14.
The governor also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with OISCA Bago Training Center as the official training institution that will handle the Japanese language training of qualified Negrense scholars.
The center was represented by its directors Shigemi and Thelma Watanabe.
This program is an education and career support endeavor aimed at honing young professionals to be proficient in Nihongo so that they will be able study and work in Japan for two years while paving their future.
Fumio Mizuno, of the Cooperative Association for Yomiuri Shimbun Distribution Services, in his speech, expressed his profound gratitude to Lacson for his full support to the scholarship program.
He said he is very happy to announce that out of 16 scholars who studied in Japan for two years, 11 decided to stay and work in the country through the program.
Vanessa Viñas, who spoke on behalf of the grantees, thanked the governor for giving them this rare and unique opportunity to be able to study Japanese language and eventually work in Japan for a very long time.
Meanwhile, Board Member Agustin Ernesto Bascon, chair of the Provincial Board Committee on Education, lauded the scholars for passing the rigid selection process, adding that he will continue to do his best to assist the governor in terms of legislation.
Lacson, for his part, thanked the generosity of the officials of the Cooperative Yomiuri Shimbun Distribution Services for opening new doors of possibilities and opportunities to Negrense scholars.
He reiterated to the scholars the importance of responsibility and loyalty, adding that they are carrying the name of the Province of Negros Occidental.
“Let us show the world not just the skills we have, but also our proper work ethics. Work ethics, coupled with skills and hard work are your sure vehicles for success,” the governor tol them.
Also present during the signing were Karen Dinsay and Thea Marie Palacio of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division, and April Joy Duran of Special Programs and Concerns Division. (PR)