The office of Rep. Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2nd District) welcomed Japan Consul-General Yudai Ueno during a courtesy visit held at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City on Wednesday, April 15, reinforcing efforts to deepen cooperation between Negros Occidental and Japan.
Representing the congressman, 2nd District Board Member Arthur Christopher Marañon underscored the long-standing relationship between the province and Japan, noting that the meeting also aligns with the 70th anniversary of Philippines–Japan diplomatic relations and the continued strengthening of ties between the two.
He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, fisheries, eco-tourism, human resource development, and economic growth, particularly in the CASAMA area—Cadiz, Sagay, and Manapla.
Board Member Marañon also shared that Sagay City is exploring a possible sisterhood agreement with Aichi Prefecture, specifically Toyota City, as part of efforts to expand international partnerships.
“This visit strengthens our partnership and opens more opportunities for our communities, especially in agriculture, tourism, and cultural exchange. We look forward to building even stronger ties with Japan in the years ahead,” he said.
Consul-General Ueno expressed appreciation for the warm reception and noted the strong potential of the second district, citing its role as an agro-fishery hub and emerging eco-tourism destination.
He also conveyed interest in further strengthening cooperation through initiatives in tourism, cultural exchange, scholarship opportunities such as the MEXT program, and broader economic development.
Part of the discussions focused on human resource development, particularly in education, including a proposed scholarship program on Japanese language for DepEd-Sagay Division teachers and staff.
The Schools Division of Sagay City, led by Dannie Clark M. Uguil, CESE, OIC-Schools Division Superintendent, together with Jona A. Esmalla, OIC Education Program Supervisor for English and focal person for the Special Program in Foreign Language, and Mr. Jerson Donasco, Principal of Sagay National High School, presented the Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL) – Nihongo.
In her presentation, Esmalla highlighted that the program aims to empower Sagaynon learners with Japanese language skills while fostering cultural awareness, global competence, and expanded academic and career opportunities.
“More than just language instruction, the SPFL Nihongo program serves as a gateway for Sagaynon learners to become globally competitive individuals—confident, culturally aware, and prepared to engage in an increasingly interconnected world,” Esmalla said.
She reported that the program is currently implemented in Bulanon Farm School and Sagay National High School, with a combined total of 245 learners enrolled across Grade 7 to 10 levels.
Esmalla added that the initiative strengthens the division’s vision of developing globally prepared learners by promoting communication skills, cultural understanding, and openness to international opportunities.
A video presentation during the event also showcased students’ active participation in the program, reflecting their growing appreciation of Japanese language and culture.
Also present were Mrs. Zyndy Mae Aladin, Teacher-In-Charge of the SPFL-Japanese at Bulanon Farm School, and Mrs. Ilyn Mae Diaz, Teacher-In-Charge of the same program at Sagay National High School.
The event was also attended by Manapla Mayor Mika Escalante, Sagay City Economic Enterprise and Management Office Head Ryan Bonghanoy, Executive Assistant Beethoven Fuentesfina Jr., Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Helen Arguelles-Cutillar, City Consultant on Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Agnes Marañon-Iida, and other officials and stakeholders.
The meeting, organized by the office of Rep. Marañon along with the City Government of Sagay, provided a platform for dialogue, partnership-building, and shared vision, further strengthening the friendship between the Philippines and Japan while opening new pathways for growth and cooperation in Negros Occidental’s second district.*PR
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