Photo Courtesy: Department of Health
The Philippine government is set to deploy the 18th batch of Filipino candidates for nurse and certified careworkers to Japan in the first half of next year.
A total of 225 candidates will head for Tokyo after completing the six-month Preparatory Japanese Language Training (PJLT), which began on Nov. 4. Their deployment will be under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya, who attended the online opening ceremony for the PJLT, said the Filipino workers would serve as a bridge between the two nations through people-to-people exchange and contribute to further strengthening of Japan-Philippines relations.
He encouraged the candidates to focus on their studies, noting that the knowledge and skills they acquire would form the foundation for their success in Japan.
In addition to Japanese language training, the health workers will also learn about Japan’s culture and social etiquette before being dispatched. The program is conducted online free of charge by the Japan Foundation Manila and the Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc.
Upon arrival in Japan, the candidates will undergo another six-month Japanese language training before starting work in hospitals and caregiving facilities.
Filipino healthcare workers may continue their employment in Japan beyond their initial period under the JPEPA program, provided they pass the Japanese national examinations for nurses and certified caregivers.
Also present at the event were Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority National Language Skills Center Administrator Mitzi Samson-Endriano, NCF President Philip Sanvictores, Japan Foundation Manila Director Suzuki Ben, and Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services Managing Director Kataoka Yoshikazu.
The Philippines and Japan signed the EPA in 2006. Manila first deployed Filipino nurse and certified careworker candidates to Japan in 2009.
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