Rep. Alfredo D. Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2nd District) reinforced the long-standing Philippine-Japan partnership by fostering deeper collaboration with Japanese parliamentarians and Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) officials during a fellowship dinner held at the Summer Palace, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Manila, Thursday, August 28.
The event, organized in partnership with OISCA Philippines, resulted in renewed commitments to sustainable development, environmental protection, technology transfer, and cultural exchange, ensuring that both countries continue to build on more than four decades of joint efforts in Negros Occidental and beyond, a press release from Sagay City said on Sunday.
Headed by Koichi Tani, a member of the House of Representatives from Hyogo Prefecture and Secretary General of the OISCA Parliamentary Association, the Japanese delegation underscored Japan’s long-standing partnership with Negros Occidental through OISCA’s reforestation, livelihood, and training programs.
Other key members of the delegation included Shinji Inoue, OISCA Executive Committee Member, and Takakazu Seto, Member of Parliament.
Marañon emphasized how OISCA’s guiding principles of “Love Green” and “Food First” have deeply shaped the district’s policies.
He recalled how his late father, former Gov. Alfredo G. Marañon Jr., strongly supported OISCA’s mission, leading to more than four decades of collaboration in reforesting the mountains of Ulay and Nabiga-a and building strong community-based conservation efforts.
“This mission has been ingrained in our family, with two of my siblings also working closely with OISCA. Today, we continue this legacy to ensure that our people and our environment thrive together,” Marañon said.
He also highlighted the presence of “junior OISCANs” at Sagay National High School, noting the importance of educating and involving the youth to sustain the movement.
Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva delivered an audio-visual presentation showcasing Sagay’s eco-tourism and biodiversity programs, emphasizing how OISCA’s values align with the city’s drive for sustainable development.
Provincial and national leaders, including Rep, Sun Shimura (Cebu, 4th District) and Executive Director Donald James Gawe of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) joined the event alongside OISCA officers from the Philippines and Japan.
Shimura, whose district covers Bantayan Island, was among the key dignitaries at the event, as discussions on establishing a Sagay–Bantayan RoRo route have been ongoing between the leaders of the two local government units.
OISCA Philippines President and Provincial Board Member Arthur Christopher Marañon also welcomed the guests while OISCA Secretary-General Agnes Iida acknowledged the guests attending the event.
Board Member Marañon also expressed his gratitude to the guest that paved the way for these developments.
The fellowship dinner symbolized not only four decades of Philippine-Japan friendship but also the renewed commitment to future projects that integrate environmental protection, technology transfer, and cultural exchange.
It also ensured that Negros Occidental continues to serve as a model for sustainable, people-centered development, the press release said.*