Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Sunday, July 25, expressed his condolences to the family of a Japanese philanthropist who has helped provide scholarships to numerous Negrenses.
“It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Chairman Yutaka Shimizu. On behalf of the people of Negros Occidental, I send my deepest condolences to the Shimizu family, the Houei Group, and Miyakonojo Higashi High School,” Lacson said.
He was a good man and his love for Negros Occidental was evident, Lacson said.
Lacson said because of his help and generous support, 30 Negros Occidental healthcare workers are about to finish their two-year course in Japan, giving them the opportunity to take the licensure exam and the possibility of having permanent employment there.
The chairman was also greatly instrumental in providing full scholarships since 2018, in the form of free tuition and lodging for 19 Negrense senior high school students at Miyakonojo Higashi High School in Japan, Lacson said.
“I was told that among his last declarations, he conveyed his wishes to continue the strong relationship with Negros Occidental and to keep building bridges to bring our two communities together. With this, we are grateful,” Lacson said.*