"Lifespan provider, first Filipino NPO ever registered in Japan after the signing of JPEPA"

OSAKA, JAPAN--- Barely three (3) months from the signing of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), the Osaka Prefectural Government has approved the application of Lifespan Provider Program Foundation, a Philippine registered private institution, as the first Non-Profit Organization (NPO) duly registered in Japan immediately after the signing of the JPEPA. Lifespan Provider’s registration was successfully handled by one of the best solicitors in Kansai, Kazutora Nakaya.

The purpose of Lifespan Provider NPO shall be to allow the general public and companies from Japan and the Philippines to learn about each other’s culture and customs, and to contribute to economic revitalization by creating a bilateral framework of cooperation through the development of human resources, the international exchange of culture and development of occupational skills with the aim of promoting mutual economic activity between the two countries by allowing the free movement of goods, people, services and capital.

Lifespan Provider Programs Foundation, a corporate member of the World Trade Center (WTC) Metro Manila, is being fully assisted by the Osaka International Business Promotion Center (IBPC) and the World Trade Center Osaka (WTCO) under its business startup program, wherein Lifespan Provider has done its market research and client development in one of IBPC’s incubation offices rent free for six months.

During Lifespan Provider’s stay at the said incubation office, the IBPC through the untiring efforts of Ms. Akie Teranishi, the Chief of IBPC Investment Promotion and Publicity, has actively and successfully organized business-matching with different Japanese business partners like Mediwel and Business Live International.

Mediwel is one of the leading healthcare service providers in the entire Japan interested to accommodate Filipino nurses and caregivers to be dispatched to its more than 2,300 handled hospitals; while Business Live International (BLI), an organization of Japanese retirees in Kansai, is also partnering with Lifespan Provider in the latter’s cultural exchange programs, training programs, promotion of Philippine Medical Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Out-reach Tourism and Homestay programs for the elderly.

Currently, Lifespan Provider, through the equally untiring assistance of Mr. Koichi Mori, the Group Office Manager of the Asia-Pacific Trade Center (ATC), is also collaborating with the Ageless Cultural Exchange Association (ACEA), a large Kansai-based NPO for its similar projects.

On February 18, 2007, Lifespan Provider will open its permanent office at the ATC building not only to promote cultural exchange program but also to showcase the new breed of Filipino talents (nurses/caregivers, engineers, skilled workers); Philippine products; famous Philippine tourist attractions and medical tourism.

The ATC is an ideal place to promote the Philippines’ finest, since many local and multinational visitors are coming to ATC looking for latest information about everything. ATC is also a famous building and close to International Exhibition Center 'Intex-Osaka'. It is well-known as big leisure place in Osaka. This atmosphere is well-matching with Lifespan Provider’s concept of "Windows of the Philippines”.

Further, Lifespan Provider will offer the following training courses and unique tutorials at its development center at the ATC, namely: (1) ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM (ALS)--- a modular program in collaboration with the Department of Education-Cavite, Philippines offered to Filipino residents in Japan who did not finish their high school, so that after successful passing of the examinations the graduates will be given free caregiver course; (2) CAREGIVER COURSE--- Pending the ratification of the JPEPA in the Philippine Senate, Lifespan Provider will source out the caregivers from within Japan among Filipino and foreign residents; (3) HOME HELPER/GUIDE FOR THE ELDERLY; (4) SIGN LANGUAGE; (5) FILIPINO TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE; (6)

COSMETOLOGY; (7) FILIPINO FOLK SONGS AND DANCE WITH MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS--- For children of different ages, including special children with learning disabilities; (8) FILIPINO LANGUAGE AND CULTURE--- for all ages; (9) FREE COUNSELING AND CATHECHISM.

Being the pioneer in the field and the only Filipino establishment at the ATC, the management and staff of ATC headed by its dynamic and gracious President, Mr. Minoru Akimoto, are very supportive of Lifespan Provider’s endeavors.

Through the endorsement of Mr. Koichi Mori, Mr. Akimoto has offered the free use of the facilities of the Ageless Center, home of latest hi-tech and state-of-the art equipment for the elderly, for demo purposes to Lifespan Provider’s caregiver trainees. Mr. Akimoto even pledged support to Lifespan Provider’s projects in his own personal capacity. And as a token of gratitude, Lifespan Provider will promote the facilities and equipment of the Ageless Center among its clients under its “In-Home” General Care Assistance Service.

The ATC management has indeed widened the horizon of Lifespan Provider in bridging Japan and Philippines starting in Kansai and to the whole Japan.