The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) hosted the first formal meeting of the 16th batch of the recipients of the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) with the opening of the Japanese Language Training for JDS Fellows. There were 21 JDS Fellows who participated in the 30-hour language training on 23-30 July 2018.

The language training aimed to equip the fellows with the basic knowledge in understanding and speaking Nihongo to enable them to adapt with the new environment in Japan as they pursue their graduate studies.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of the Mr. Masatoshi Hara, Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) Country Officer; Ms. Carmelita S. Marasigan, FSI Officer-in-Charge; and Ms. Marichu C. Liwanag, Head of the Carlos P. Romulo School of Diplomacy. Mr. Jan Kenneth L. Bolante, DFA’s Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs Executive Director, also gave a short pre-departure orientation (PDOS) for the JDS Fellows before they commence with the language training.

The opening ceremony on July 23 was also a significant day as the country celebrates Philippine-Japan Friendship Month.

 

Group photo at the opening ceremony

 

Mr. Kenneth Bolante conducts PDOS for the JDS Fellows.

 

Class picture with Ms. Ria Rafael, Nihongo instructor (seated, fourth from left)

 

Group photo during the send-off celebration with officials from JICA, NEDA, and FSI

 

Ms. Marichu Liwanag awards the Certificate of Attendance to a JDS Fellow.