Japanese language training for Filipino nurses launched

MANILA, Philippines - The first Preparatory Japanese Language Training for Filipino candidate nurses bound for Japan was launched at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) head office in Taguig City.

Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura said in his speech that for this preparatory training, the Japanese government provided Japanese language instructors while the Philippine government provided the venue.

“I would like to underscore that this endeavor goes beyond the standing commitments of both countries made in the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA),” Katsura said.

He said this demonstrates the perseverance and dedication of both countries to take initiatives in improving the standing of Filipino candidate nurses in particular, especially in successfully integrating them, through language, not just to the Japanese community but to their professions as well, once they pass the Japanese Nursing Licensure Examination.

Other attendees include TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Administrator Carlos Cao Jr.

Katsura said this is the first time they are implementing this preparatory language training prior to the nurses’ departure for Japan.

“Our aim is to provide assistance to you by exposing you early in the process to the Japanese language in the hopes of laying a solid groundwork so that you can cope much better when you enter Japan and take the licensure examination eventually,” he said.

He noted that although he has no doubts they will be able to fulfill their duties and responsibilities as healthcare professionals in Japan, he said one of the most difficult obstacles for passing the Japanese nursing licensure examinations is the language barrier.

He is optimistic this preparatory language training will pave the way for this barrier to be broken down.

He commended the Philippine government for the continued support for and cooperation in the implementation of this training.

A total of 82 Filipino candidate nurses, comprising the third batch of candidate nurses to Japan, undergo preparatory training from March 28 to May 20, 2011 in the Philippines. They will then depart for Japan by the end of May and undergo six months of Japanese language training there.