ACTION Celebrates 30th Anniversary at the Japanese Ambassador’s Official Residence in Manila
Japanese non-profit organization, A Child’s Trust is Ours to Nurture, Incorporated (ACTION), celebrated its 30th anniversary on January 31, 2024, Wednesday, at Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa’s official residence, hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office with the cooperation of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
IMAGE from Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
During the celebration, Ambassador Koshikawa acknowledged the efforts of Japanese non-government organizations (NGO), such as ACTION, in reaching international grassroots communities to address various social issues, ensuring that no one is left behind.
“There was a time when it was said that ‘Japan’s international cooperation was faceless.’ For this reason, the work of Japanese NGOs that have continued grassroots activities such as ACTION for many years is invaluable,” the Ambassador stated.
Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa / IMAGE from Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
ACTION was the only Japanese NGO to receive the “Outstanding Social Welfare and Development Organization Award” from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Ambassador Koshikawa also expressed his hope that ACTION’s endeavors will inspire collaboration across the public, private sector, and civil society for the continued development of the Philippines.
During his toast, Mr. Takema Sakamoto, director of JICA Philippines, highlighted that ACTION has played a significant role in building sustainable systems in the Philippines as it is the only Japanese NGO to become a member of Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC).
Mr. Takema Sakamoto, Chief Representative of JICA, JICA Philippines Office / IMAGE from Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
Mr. Sakamoto also mentioned that the House Parent Training and Life Skills Improvement Program, which is one of the major programs created by ACTION, was accredited by JJWC and the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Moving forward, we, at JICA, hope to further strengthen our cooperation with Japanese companies and organizations in supporting NGO activities in the Philippines. We would be overjoyed if today’s event could serve as a catalyst for this collaboration,” Mr. Sakamoto stated.
With the help of JICA, ACTION is also now working on establishing healthy support systems for Filipino children in impoverished communities in 11 regions in the country, including Metro Manila. This includes the rehabilitation and reintegration of children who have violated the law, a crucial part of ensuring a child’s healthy development.
Supporters of ACTION also graced the celebration. Mr. Takashi Miki, country head of Glico Philippines Inc. and global brand manager of Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd., as well as Mr. Kazumoto Sato, president of Nihon Denkei Philippines Inc., shared their insights on ACTION during the event.
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Mr. Takashi Miki (Left) and Mr. Kazumoto Sato (Right) / IMAGE from Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
ACTION is a Japanese non-government organization that provides “psychosocial, capacity building, and economic development programs” in support of Filipino children and their families since 1994. Mr. Hajime Yokota, the founder of ACTION, recalled their 30-year history in the Philippines.
Mr. Hajime Yokota, Founder of ACTION / IMAGE from Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
Among the NGO’s efforts included reconstruction efforts in Zambales after the explosive eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, resulting to devastating damages to homes and livelihood, as well as the lost of lives.
In his speech, he called on different sectors to join ACTION’s new advocacy on Zero Waste and Road Safety Education, which are essential in ensuring a sustainable and peaceful community for everyone.
