May 23, 2019

190 students were conferred certificates indicating their successful completion of the “Japanese Language Training Program for Nurses and Care Worker Candidates” conducted by the Japan Foundation Manila on May 21, 2019 at the Tandang Sora Hall, TESDA Women’s Center.

41 nurses (kangoshi) and 149 caregivers (kaigofukushishi) completed the 11th batch of graduates who underwent the 6-month Preparatory Japanese Language Training, provided by the Japan Foundation Manila and TESDA, together with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and in partnership with the Embassy of Japan.

At present, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority National Language Skills Institute (TESDA-NLSI) records a total of 1,536 successful healthcare professionals trained under the said program.

According to the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), for Filipino healthcare workers to be able to practice their profession in Japan, in addition to passing the Philippine licensure exam, they must also have at least three (3) years work experience.

The POEA also notes that among the requirements for nurses and careworkers, is the 12-month Japanese Language Training, which is divided into a 6-month Preparatory Japanese Language Training in the Philippines, and another 6-month intensive Japanese Language Training in Japan.

Upon finishing the courses, the said healthcare professionals will then take the Japanese Nursing Examination or the Japanese national exam, as required by their occupations.

As per the directive of Director General Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, TESDA continues to improve infrastructures and facilities in order to create more conducive learning environments and better training experiences for the students, as well as improve relationships with national government agencies (NGAs) and foreign partner countries.

From 2011 up to the present, TESDA has provided classrooms and dormitory rooms for the qualified candidates of the Japanese Language Training Program, which is implemented annually, from November to May.

"Through this program, Japan has expressed their confidence in the Filipino nurses’ and healthcare workers’ abilities to meet the demands of their healthcare institution. This program not only strengthens cooperation between our countries, but also builds on healthcare professionals’ capabilities, making them more competitive and productive.” The TESDA Chief earlier stated.

Representing the Director General, Deputy Director General (DDG) for TESD Operations Gladys F. Rosales echoed the Director-General in recognizing the vital role of the said bilateral agreement in terms of continuing the good relations between the Philippines and Japan.

Rosales also encouraged the graduates to uphold Filipino values and work ethics upon their arrival in Japan.

Interested applicants for the Japanese Language Training Program for Nurses and Care Worker Candidates are advised to consult with POEA regarding screening or job-matching processes.

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TESDA Deputy Director General Gladys F. Rosales delivers congratulatory remarks on behalf of Director General Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña during the culmination of the Preparatory Japanese Language Training Program for Filipino Nurse and Care Worker Candidates under JPEPA.

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Director Hiroaki Uesugi of Japan Foundation, Manila delivers opening speech.

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First Secretary Manabu Yasukawa of the Embassy of Japan also delivers congratulatory remarks to the kangoshi (nurses) and kaigofukushishi (careworkers) who had successfully completed the preparatory language training.

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Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary for Employment, Migrant Workers Welfare, Financial and Administrative Services Cluster Renato L. Ebarle also graced the closing program.

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Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Deputy Administrator for Management Services Jocelyn T. Sanchez also offered her felicitations to the JPEPA graduates.

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Ms. Rose Mary De Guzman spoke on behalf of the graduating class of Japanese Language Training Program (JLTP) for Nurses and Care Worker Candidates under JPEPA. 

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