PH EMBASSY SALUTES LATEST BATCH OF FILIPINO GRADUATES AT JAPAN’S NATIONAL GRADUATE INSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES
TOKYO, 16 September 2026 - The Philippine Embassy in Japan, led by Chargé d’affaires, a.i. (CDA) Christian L. De Jesus, attended the graduation ceremony of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies of Japan (GRIPS) held on 11 September 2026 at the Institute’s Soukairou Hall.
Among the latest batch of graduates were eighteen (18) Filipino scholars, most of whom are officials and personnel from various Philippine government agencies and institutions. They are Mr. Miguel Florido Abitang, Ms. Antonella Rosana, Ms. Roschele Ablan and Ms. Francess Liene Gallardo from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Mr. Joshua Intes from the Bureau of the Treasury (BoT); , Mr. Dustin Adriel Villacastin Sulat from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); Mr. Mark Aca and Ms. Maila Maniscan from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); Ms. Czarieena Pauline Antonio from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); Ms. Ramona Maria Miral and Ms. Katha Ma-i Montes Estopace from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS); Ms. Deonah Abigail Miole from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); Ms. Jobelle Clarisse Montais and Ms. Genshen Espedido from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev); Mr. Socrates Simbe II from the Department of Energy (DOE); Mr. Glen Tampis from the Bureau of Customs-Port of Batangas (BOC); Ms. Charlene Mariquit from the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries; and Mr. Iñaqui Angelo Mangahas from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
On behalf of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, CDA De Jesus commended the Filipino graduates for their achievements in their respective programs, and expressed confidence that the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they gained at GRIPS would enable them to contribute further to the Philippines’ socioeconomic transformation through their various professional and personal endeavors upon their return to the Philippines.
During the ceremony, Mr. Simbe from DOE and Mr. Aca from PCG received the Dean’s Award, while Ms. Maniscan from PCG received the best thesis award for the Maritime Safety and Security Policy (MSP) Program.
Since its establishment in 1997, GRIPS has produced more than 6,000 graduates from the public and private sectors representing 126 countries. Filipino scholars have annually participated in GRIPS’ various academic programs, including those designed for Philippine government executives. END
PH EMBASSY, INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATED ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (IIEE) EXPLORE AREAS OF COLLABORATION TO SUPPORT FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS IN JAPAN
TOKYO, 15 September 2026 – Chargé d'affaires, a.i. Christian L. De Jesus, welcomed the national officers of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) and officers of the Japan Interim Chapter during a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in Japan on 10 September 2026.
As part of the discussions, IIEE National President Engr. Robert U. Mabulay highlighted that the organization’s Japan Interim Chapter, which officially convened in 2026, marks the IIEE’s 13th international chapter. The IIEE leadership also presented the organization’s upcoming initiatives and programs tailored for Filipino electrical engineering professionals working in Japan. The group expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Embassy in promoting the welfare and professional development of Filipino electrical engineering professionals and the broader Filipino Community in Japan.
IIEE likewise expressed its interest in expanding partnerships with relevant stakeholders and Filipino Community organizations in Japan, as well as in promoting business and investment opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in the field of electrical engineering.
CDA De Jesus commended the IIEE’s initiatives and expressed the Embassy’s hope that its Japan Interim Chapter will actively build strong linkages that enhance the professional development and further uplift the spirit of fellow Filipinos in the host country, while also helping strengthen people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Japan.
CDA De Jesus noted further that the establishment of the IIEE Japan Interim Chapter is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and Japan in 2026.
Founded in 1975 with an initial 500 members, IIEE has grown into a premier professional organization with over 69,000 members worldwide. END
𝙏𝙚𝙣 𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙤 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨, 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙅𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙮 - 𝘼 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙤 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙏𝙤𝙠𝙮𝙤
The Philippine Embassy invites everyone to visit the exhibition entitled "From Ground to the Sky,” a group exhibition featuring ten (10) outstanding Filipino artists at Kobayashi Gallery in Minato City from 11 to 23 September 2026.
This event, held on the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship this year, showcases the respective artistic talents of Erickson Arcilla, Roxanne Hermoso, Is Jumalon, Jep Dizon, John Marin, Jeff Siscar, Sid Natividad, Mark Jeffrey Santos, Julieanne Ng and TRNZ in a special exhibition curated by Jason Montinola, with text by Mica Serenas.
Visit Kobayashi Gallery at 3F, 1-15-13 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo (pin: https://t.co/onKO7fRPtn). Admission is free.
PAG-IBIG FUND OPENS JAPAN SERVICE DESK AT PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN TOKYO
TOKYO, 14 September 2026 - The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), commonly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund, formally opened its Japan Service Desk at the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo on 8 September 2026, bringing Pag-IBIG services closer to Filipinos living and working in Japan.
The ceremonial opening and ribbon-cutting were led by Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano and Pag-IBIG Fund Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer Atty. Marcial C. Pimentel Jr., together with officials of Pag-IBIG Fund and the Embassy.
“The establishment of this office is a meaningful addition to the services available to our kababayan in Japan. For our Filipinos living and working abroad, distance should never be an obstacle to accessing government programs that can help them secure a better future for themselves and their families”, Ambassador Garcia-Albano remarked in her opening message.
The Pag-IBIG Fund Japan Service Desk held its soft opening on 26 August 2026 and provides Pag-IBIG members in Japan with a more convenient and accessible way to obtain information on various Pag-IBIG Fund services, seek assistance, and address membership-related concerns.
“Through this Service Desk, our kababayan in Japan will have a place where they can receive information and personalized assistance on Pag-IBIG Fund membership, savings, housing loans, short-term loans, and other member benefits. While our digital channels provide greater convenience and reach, we also recognize the value of face-to-face engagement. The Japan Service Desk will allow us to listen more closely to our members, understand their needs, and provide guidance as they plan for a more secure future”, Atty. Marcial C. Pimentel said in his message.
Also present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Pag-IBIG Fund Corporate Executive Officer Ms. Maria Solidad C. Liboro, Acting Department Manager Atty. Eduardo L. Labo Jr., Member Services Officer Ms. Mary Gwynne C. Nakamura, Embassy officers and personnel, and members of the Filipino community.
Prior to the ceremony, the Pag-IBIG Fund delegation paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Garcia-Albano to discuss the Fund’s ongoing initiatives and priorities, particularly efforts to make its programs and services more accessible to Filipinos living and working abroad.
The opening of the Japan Service Desk reflects the shared commitment of the Embassy and Pag-IBIG Fund to make essential government services more accessible and responsive to the needs of Filipinos in Japan.
The Philippine Embassy encourages kababayans in Japan to make full use of the Pag-IBIG Fund Japan Service Desk and learn more about the programs, benefits, and services available to Pag-IBIG Fund members by booking an appointment at https://t.co/8rpaxnYkG1. END
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY, PTIC-TOKYO SUPPORT FILIPINO EXPORTERS IN EXPANDING JAPAN MARKET ACCESS AT TOKYO INTERNATIONAL GIFT SHOW
TOKYO, 11 September 2026 - The Philippine Embassy in Japan, through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo (PTIC-Tokyo), continued its efforts to assist Filipino exporters expand their presence in Japan’s highly discerning market through the Philippines’ participation in the Tokyo International Gift Show 2026, held at Tokyo Big Sight, from 2-4 September 2026.
Led by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), the Philippine delegation brought together 19 Filipino companies showcasing creative and sustainable home products and personal items.
The Show provided participating companies with a platform to introduce Philippine-made products to Japanese buyers, distributors, retailers, and other industry stakeholders, while exploring opportunities for new business partnerships.
PTIC-Tokyo worked closely with DTI-CITEM and the participating companies to facilitate business linkages and help Philippine exporters better understand the Japanese market. The Tokyo Gift Show also gave participating enterprises firsthand exposure to Japanese consumer preferences and the high standards for quality, design, functionality, and sustainability expected by Japanese buyers.
“Japan is a discerning market, but it is also one that appreciates quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and sustainability—areas where Filipino enterprises have much to offer,” Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano said. “We will continue working with exporters to help them understand the Japanese market, connect with potential partners, and build the relationships necessary for a sustained presence here.”
The 19 participating companies showcased a range of home products and personal items that reflected the Philippines’ growing creative industries and the ability of Filipino enterprises to combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and sustainable materials.
The Philippines’ participation in the Tokyo Gift Show forms part of the Embassy and PTIC-Tokyo’s broader efforts to create greater opportunities for Philippine exporters in Japan. Through trade fairs, business-matching activities, market intelligence, and engagement with Japanese buyers and industry groups, the Embassy and PTIC-Tokyo will continue to support Philippine companies seeking to enter or expand their presence in the Japanese market. END
PH AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN STRENGTHENING PH-JP FRIENDSHIP AT EL SHADDAI-JAPAN CHAPTER’S 34TH ANNIVERSARY
TOKYO, 10 September 2026 - In line with the objective of the Philippine Embassy in Japan of further strengthening its partnership with the Filipino Community, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano participated as a special guest in the 34th anniversary celebration of the El Shaddai Prayer Partners Fellowship International Japan Chapter (El Shaddai-Japan Chapter) on 06 September 2026 at the University of the Sacred Heart Chapel in Shibuya, Tokyo.
“I would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the El Shaddai-Japan Chapter. You have been a vital pillar of guidance, fellowship, and unwavering support for our kababayan here in Japan. This year, we are celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Japan, and through the lives you build, the friendships you nurture, and your meaningful contributions to Japanese society and the Filipino Community in the host country, you help further deepen the friendship and mutual understanding between our two countries,” highlighted Ambassador Garcia-Albano during her remarks.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano also expressed the Embassy’s commitment to providing services for the Filipino Community in Japan, including consular, welfare and social security assistance, overseas voter registration (OVR) for the 2028 Philippine National Elections, and services offered by the newly-opened Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) - Japan Office.
Led by Ms. Amelita Iwase, the anniversary celebration included a Eucharistic celebration, and praise and worship services by members of the El Shaddai-Japan Chapter and other guests. END
FILIPINO-JAPANESE CONTEMPORARY ARTIST INTRODUCES “BANANANGUIN” AT NAFAS TOKYO EXHIBITION AND FESTIVAL 2026
The Philippine Embassy in Japan proudly supported the participation of Filipino-Japanese contemporary artist Taichi KONDO in the NAFAS Tokyo Exhibition and Festival 2026. The exhibition, which highlights the intersections of art, food and collective experience, officially opened on 04 September 2026 at the BUoY Arts Center in Adachi City, Tokyo. Mr. Kondo is one of the sixty (60) featured artists from Japan and around the world and the only Filipino artist selected by the organizers from among hundreds of submissions.
Mr. Kondo’s works seamlessly blend the intricate influences of his Filipino-Japanese heritage. The centerpiece of his exhibition, entitled “Banananguin,” serves as a powerful visual metaphor for his personal journey toward self-acceptance, identity, and cultural belonging.
“Taichi KONDO has highlighted the strong cultural ties between the Philippines and Japan through his artworks, especially his ‘Bananaquin’ series — a whimsical representation of Japan’s well-loved Philippine fruit and a fitting homage to this year’s celebration of 70 years of friendship between the two countries,” underscored Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano in a statement following the exhibition opening.
Though born in Japan and currently based in Tokyo, Mr. Kondo has maintained a strong artistic presence in the Philippines. He has been actively showcasing his work in the country since 2020, notably debuting at the prestigious Art Fair Philippines.
The NAFAS Tokyo Exhibition and Festival 2026 is free to the public and will run until 26 September 2026 at the BUoY Arts Center. It is open from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. END.
日比ハーフのアーティスト、「NAFAS TOKYO 2026」にで
「バナナギン」を発表
在日フィリピン大使館は、日比ハーフのコンテンポラリーアーティスト、近藤太一氏の「NAFAS TOKYO 2026」への参加を誇りを持って応援しました。アート、食、そして共同体験の交わりに焦点を当てたこのフェスティバルは、2026年9月4日東京都足立区のBUoYにて開幕しました。近藤氏は、日本および世界各国から選ばれた60名の注目アーティストの一人であり、数百件に及ぶ応募作品の中から主催者によって選出された唯一のフィリピンにルーツを持つアーティストです。
近藤氏の作品は、フィリピンと日本にルーツを持つ彼の複雑な文化的背景が、見事に融合しています。本展の中心となる作品「バナナギン」は、自己受容、アイデンティティ、そして文化的帰属感へと至る彼の個人的な旅路を、力強い視覚的メタファーとして表現しています。
「近藤太一氏は、その作品、とりわけ『バナナギン』シリーズを通じて、フィリピンと日本の強固な文化的絆を浮き彫りにしてきました。このシリーズは、日本で親しまれているフィリピンの果物をユニークに表現したものであり、今年迎える両国の友好70周年を祝うにふさわしいオマージュとなっています」と、ミレーン・ガルシア=アルバノ駐日フィリピン大使は、開幕後の声明で述べました。
日本生まれで現在は東京を拠点としている近藤氏は、フィリピンにおいても強い芸術的存在感を維持しています。2020年以降、フィリピンで積極的に作品を発表しており、特に権威ある「アートフェア・フィリピン」でデビューを果たしたことが注目されています。
「NAFAS TOKYO 2026」は入場無料で、2026年9月26日までBuoYにて開催中されます。開館時間は、木曜日と金曜日は午後2時から午後7時まで、土曜日と日曜日は午後1時から午後6時までです。以上
日比ハーフのアーティスト、「NAFAS TOKYO 2026」にで
「バナナギン」を発表
在日フィリピン大使館は、日比ハーフのコンテンポラリーアーティスト、近藤太一氏の「NAFAS TOKYO 2026」への参加を誇りを持って応援しました。アート、食、そして共同体験の交わりに焦点を当てたこのフェスティバルは、2026年9月4日東京都足立区のBUoYにて開幕しました。近藤氏は、日本および世界各国から選ばれた60名の注目アーティストの一人であり、数百件に及ぶ応募作品の中から主催者によって選出された唯一のフィリピンにルーツを持つアーティストです。
近藤氏の作品は、フィリピンと日本にルーツを持つ彼の複雑な文化的背景が、見事に融合しています。本展の中心となる作品「バナナギン」は、自己受容、アイデンティティ、そして文化的帰属感へと至る彼の個人的な旅路を、力強い視覚的メタファーとして表現しています。
「近藤太一氏は、その作品、とりわけ『バナナギン』シリーズを通じて、フィリピンと日本の強固な文化的絆を浮き彫りにしてきました。このシリーズは、日本で親しまれているフィリピンの果物をユニークに表現したものであり、今年迎える両国の友好70周年を祝うにふさわしいオマージュとなっています」と、ミレーン・ガルシア=アルバノ駐日フィリピン大使は、開幕後の声明で述べました。
日本生まれで現在は東京を拠点としている近藤氏は、フィリピンにおいても強い芸術的存在感を維持しています。2020年以降、フィリピンで積極的に作品を発表しており、特に権威ある「アートフェア・フィリピン」でデビューを果たしたことが注目されています。
「NAFAS TOKYO 2026」は入場無料で、2026年9月26日までBuoYにて開催中されます。開館時間は、木曜日と金曜日は午後2時から午後7時まで、土曜日と日曜日は午後1時から午後6時までです。以上
🇵🇭✨ Aspiring to become a Diplomat and represent the Philippines on the international stage? 🌍
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, through its Board of Foreign Service Examinations (BFSE), announces the conduct of the 2027 FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER (FSO) EXAMINATIONS to recruit candidates for appointment to the position of Foreign Service Officer, Class IV.
🗓️ Application Period: 16 September - 30 October 2026
📄 More details on the examination and requirements may be accessed through this link: https://t.co/3Uthcn1IEP or by scanning the QR code in the photo.
For inquiries, interested applicants may email the Board of Foreign Service Examinations (BFSE) Secretariat at [email protected] ✉️
#OnThisDay in 2006, the Philippines and Japan signed the Philippines–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA) in Helsinki, Finland. Entered into force on 11 December 2008, PJEPA became the Philippines' and Japan’s first bilateral free trade agreement, underscoring each other's strategic role as a key trade and investment partner.
This year, as we celebrate the 70th year of Philippines–Japan Friendship, we also mark the 20th anniversary of PJEPA as a milestone that reflects the depth, resilience, and continued growth of our bilateral ties. PJEPA has bolstered trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
📄 Read more about PJEPA here: https://t.co/9bbYcKSkc2
#PJEPA #PHLinJapan