JICA hails 10 years of alumni association of Filipino JICA scholars and trainees

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) lauded the 10 years milestone of the JICA Alumni Association of the Philippines, Inc. (JAAP), one of the JICA alumni networks of scholars in the ASEAN.

JAAP was established with the unification of the three previous alumni associations under JICA: the Philippine-Japan Fellows Associations (PHILJAFA), Philippine-ASEAN-Japan Friendship Association for the 21st Century, Inc. (PAJAFA-21), and Japan Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).

This year marks the 10th anniversary of JAAP which supports the implementation of human resource development initiatives of Japan in the Philippines. They banner the theme “JAAP: Celebrating a Decade of Friendship and Success”.

"The JAAP alumni network is indeed a strong force - being an invaluable source of advice, contacts, and network. By utilizing and sharing their expertise obtained in their training or study in Japan, it is achieving this country’s development and prosperity. It is also a trusted platform to enhance friendships and bonds between Japanese and Filipinos. I cannot admire its members’ devotion and contributions more. Ten years of JAAP is a solid milestone, and I look forward to many more years to come for a more flourishing future,” said JICA Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema.

"Let me recall Japanese Prime Minister Kishida’s Congress Speech in Manila last November, where he highlighted the value of ‘Heart-to-Heart Ties’ and ‘Golden Friendship, Golden Opportunities’. JAAP members are true proponents of these concepts,” SAKAMOTO added.

JAAP has launched corporate social responsibility projects in the Philippines, including disaster relief operations for earthquakes in Mindanao, Cagayan, and Bicol as well as knowledge exchange through lectures on innovations like real-time flood forecasting and gender and labor issues.

Also called advocates and ambassadors of Japan-Philippine friendship, JAAP members assume roles in policy making and high-level positions in the government, private institutions and non-profit organizations.

JICA sends hundreds of Filipinos for study and training in Japan annually. Since 1954, approximately 43,000 Filipinos have been recipients of JICA’s training and scholarship programs. JICA said it will continue to engage and partner with Filipino alumni in carrying out its development cooperation in the Philippines.

JAAP Board of Trustees with JICA Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema (3rd from the front-right) and JICA Senior Representative TAKENAKA Narufumi (2nd from the front-left).




JAAP’s current president, Atty. Marites Barrios-Taran (3rd from the left), with JICA officials and JAAP founding members.


JAAP officers and members with JICA representatives and guests.


Chief Representative SAKAMOTO (2nd from right) and Senior Representative TAKENAKA (leftmost) together with JAAP Members (left to right) UPLB Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roberto Cereno, SB Corporation Acting Chair Ms. Blesila A. Lantayona, and UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr.