Investing in People: Shaping the Future of Philippines–Japan Relations
Building a Living Nihongo Ecosystem for the Professionalization of Japanese Language Teachers
Manila, Philippines — June 2026
As Japan and the Philippines commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), the University of the Philippines Diliman Department of Linguistics, and the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) are advancing a collaborative initiative to promote the professionalization of Japanese language educators by building a Living Nihongo Ecosystem in the Philippines.
The initiative includes the introduction of two professional development courses under the UPOU Faculty of Education Continuing Education Program (FEdCEP):
- JLT101: Becoming a Reflective Teacher for Japanese Language Learning
- JLT102: Intercultural Communicative Competence Approaches to Japanese Language Teaching
More than the launch of new courses, this initiative seeks to address a long-standing challenge in Japanese language education in the Philippines: the need for accessible, systematic, and sustainable pathways for the professionalization of Japanese language educators.
To celebrate the launch of the first two JLT courses, UPOU held a ceremony on 18 June 2026 at its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, under the theme “Mirai no Manabi × Bayanihan para sa Kinabukasan (Learning for the Future × Working Together for Tomorrow).” The event brought together educators, academic leaders, and institutional partners committed to advancing Japanese language education in the Philippines.
In her opening remarks, UPOU Chancellor Prof. Joane V. Serrano described education as a bridge connecting people and cultures beyond borders and emphasized that learning should reach learners wherever they are. The Japan Foundation President Mr. Shinya “Billy” Kurosawa highlighted that the partnership is building not only courses, but also a community dedicated to the future of Japanese language education. JFM Director Mr. Tsutomu “Ben” Suzuki reaffirmed JFM’s long-term commitment to supporting the initiative through sustained collaboration with educational institutions and stakeholders.
Over the past two decades, opportunities to learn Japanese have expanded significantly across schools, universities, language institutes, and workplace training programs. Yet opportunities for structured professional development and long-term career pathways for Japanese language educators have remained limited. As demand for Japanese language learning continues to grow, strengthening the professional capacity of educators has become increasingly important.
These courses serve as the foundation of a broader effort to establish sustainable pathways for the professional learning and professionalization of Japanese language educators in the Philippines.
The initiative envisions the gradual development of a series of interconnected courses that support educators at different stages of their professional journey and may ultimately contribute to the future development of a Certificate in Japanese Language Education. Through this pathway, the partners hope to promote lifelong learning, professional growth, and the continued professionalization of Japanese language education in the Philippines.
By combining UPOU’s expertise in open and distance e-learning, the academic leadership of the UP Diliman Department of Linguistics, and JFM’s experience in Japanese-language education, the partners aim to move beyond one-time training programs and contribute to the long-term professionalization of Japanese language education in the Philippines. The initiative reflects a broader vision.
The partners seek to foster a Living Nihongo Ecosystem in which learners, teachers, universities, schools, government agencies, employers, professional associations, and communities work together to strengthen Japanese language education and expand opportunities for intercultural exchange between the Philippines and Japan.
At its core, this initiative is founded on a simple belief: the future of Philippines–Japan relations depends on people. Teachers play a vital role in helping future generations develop not only language proficiency, but also intercultural understanding, global perspectives, and the ability to engage constructively across cultures. Investing in teacher professionalization is therefore not simply an educational undertaking. It is an investment in human capital, mutual understanding, and the future relationship between Japan and the Philippines.
The success of such an ecosystem depends on the collective efforts of many stakeholders. Universities provide academic leadership and research-based expertise. Teachers bring learning to life in classrooms and communities. Government institutions create enabling environments for lifelong learning and human development. Industry and community partners contribute valuable perspectives, resources, and support that help ensure educational opportunities remain relevant, accessible, and sustainable.
As Japan and the Philippines celebrate seventy years of diplomatic relations, UPOU, UP Diliman, and JFM reaffirm their shared belief that people-to-people connections remain the strongest foundation of bilateral relations. Seventy years of friendship have been built by people. The next seventy years will depend on how we invest in the people who connect our nations, strengthen our communities, and shape our shared future.
For Further Information
A recording of the launch ceremony is available on UPOU YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tez0EV6UeNg
University of the Philippines Open University
Faculty of Education Continuing Education Program (FEdCEP)
For information regarding course registration, participation, and future offerings:
Email: fed-communitas@upou.edu.ph
Website: https://sites.google.com/upou.edu.ph/upoufed-cep/jlt-japanese-language-teaching-short-course-series
The Japan Foundation, Manila
Japanese Language Section
For information regarding the partnership and Japanese-language education initiatives:
Email: jfm_JLT@jpf.go.jp
