Davide to observe Japan manufacturing

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Hilario Davide III is set to visit Saitama Prefectural Government in Japan on February 17 to observe how the manufacturing industry in the prefecture works.

Davide will stay there for six days until February 22.

Governor Kiyoshi Ueda invited Davide to Japan following a partnership between Saitama and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) in Cebu City for a series of trainings and capability building on manufacturing and human resource development.

Speaking before the formal kick-off  of  the Saitama-Cebu Comprehensive Human Resource Project yesterday, Davide said the invitation is a great opportunity to understand the project collaboration better and explore other areas of mutual cooperation between the two provinces.

Davide has assured that the provincial government will support opportunities for young people to learn and share the Japanese corporate culture through the Monozukuri philosophy, the basis of Japan's strength in manufacturing.

Monozukuri provides an idea of the spirit to make good products and the ability to improve production systems and processes continually.

Davide said the expected outcomes of the project are consistent with one of his priority development initiatives of enhancing the knowledge base of students and providing support to local universities.

He also envisioned the project as a platform for new frontiers of partnership between and among the respective local governments and constituents.

Under the program, about 200 students will be selected for a one-year internship in Japan. The trainings will focus on Japanese Manufacturing Philosophy, Environmental Management, and Company Management.

The project has formally started and is expected to continue in succeeding years.

This initiative is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Saitama Prefectural Government.

The USJ-R College of Engineering together with the Provincial Government of Cebu will help organize this initiative.

The undertaking is expected to increase the employment rate of the province of Cebu which will then provide high quality jobs for the professionals and numerous job opportunities for the lay man. —/JMO (FREEMAN)