ID :
209534
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 20:59
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/209534
The shortlink copeid
Philippines wants Japan to open its labor market to teachers
MANILA, Sept. 26 Kyodo - In addition to Filipino health workers, the Philippines wants to expand the scope of professionals who can work in Japan under the economic partnership agreement signed by the two countries five years ago.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino, who is on a four-day visit to Japan, will raise the issue during bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Tuesday.
A draft copy of the talking points says Aquino will take note of the increasing demand for English language teachers in Japan.
''Let us explore expanding the scope of the JPEPA's provisions on the movement of natural persons to cover other professions, including teachers, during the general review,'' the draft of Aquino's talking points says.
JPEPA is the acronym of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement which Japan and the Philippines signed in 2006.
Since 2009, three groups, a total 569 nurses and caregivers from the Philippines have been sent to Japan for free language and training.
To date, however, only two health workers have passed the licensure exams given by the Japanese government, one in 2010 and one in 2011.
Both governments are taking measure to address the problem, including the implementation, beginning March 2011, of preparatory Japanese training for nurses and caregivers before they leave Manila for Japan.
That training will be in addition to the existing mandatory six-month training in Japan candidate Filipino health workers undergo after arrival.
Both Japan and the Philippines are negotiating the terms of Japanese-language training for the fourth group of nurses and caregivers that are to go to Japan next year.
Already both sides have agreed on various points, including the training provider, duration and venue of the training center in the Philippines.
Both are, however, still negotiating the stipend for each trainee.
The Philippines is proposing a $10 to $12 stipend per day, Japan wants $4.60.
Aquino wants to ''intensify our cooperation to sharpen the language skills and enhance the passing rates'' of Filipino health workers.
Article 161 of the JPEPA mandates the first general review of the agreement within 2011 and every five years thereafter.
The Philippines and Japan will conduct the general review in December 2011 in Manila.
Aquino is to tell Noda that JPEPA is a ''pillar of our strategic partnership.''
''I am pleased at the general smooth implementation and operation of (JPEPA) since it took effect on Dec. 11, 2008,'' the talking point adds.
''My administration is keen on realizing the benefits of the JPEPA. Its first general review in 2011 is an excellent opportunity for us to enhance its implementation and maximize the mutual gains,'' it says
With implementation of the agreement entering its third full year, Manila says it is too early to assess the impact of JPEPA on trade and investment.
Statistics, however, indicate some positive signs -- a ''strong'' increase in Japan's foreign direct investment share from 9% in 2008 to 58% in 2009, then sustained at 28% in the first half of 2010.
In absolute terms, government records show Japanese FDI grew 339% in 2009.
For exports, records show Philippine exports to Japan increased slightly from 2008 to 2009.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino, who is on a four-day visit to Japan, will raise the issue during bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Tuesday.
A draft copy of the talking points says Aquino will take note of the increasing demand for English language teachers in Japan.
''Let us explore expanding the scope of the JPEPA's provisions on the movement of natural persons to cover other professions, including teachers, during the general review,'' the draft of Aquino's talking points says.
JPEPA is the acronym of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement which Japan and the Philippines signed in 2006.
Since 2009, three groups, a total 569 nurses and caregivers from the Philippines have been sent to Japan for free language and training.
To date, however, only two health workers have passed the licensure exams given by the Japanese government, one in 2010 and one in 2011.
Both governments are taking measure to address the problem, including the implementation, beginning March 2011, of preparatory Japanese training for nurses and caregivers before they leave Manila for Japan.
That training will be in addition to the existing mandatory six-month training in Japan candidate Filipino health workers undergo after arrival.
Both Japan and the Philippines are negotiating the terms of Japanese-language training for the fourth group of nurses and caregivers that are to go to Japan next year.
Already both sides have agreed on various points, including the training provider, duration and venue of the training center in the Philippines.
Both are, however, still negotiating the stipend for each trainee.
The Philippines is proposing a $10 to $12 stipend per day, Japan wants $4.60.
Aquino wants to ''intensify our cooperation to sharpen the language skills and enhance the passing rates'' of Filipino health workers.
Article 161 of the JPEPA mandates the first general review of the agreement within 2011 and every five years thereafter.
The Philippines and Japan will conduct the general review in December 2011 in Manila.
Aquino is to tell Noda that JPEPA is a ''pillar of our strategic partnership.''
''I am pleased at the general smooth implementation and operation of (JPEPA) since it took effect on Dec. 11, 2008,'' the talking point adds.
''My administration is keen on realizing the benefits of the JPEPA. Its first general review in 2011 is an excellent opportunity for us to enhance its implementation and maximize the mutual gains,'' it says
With implementation of the agreement entering its third full year, Manila says it is too early to assess the impact of JPEPA on trade and investment.
Statistics, however, indicate some positive signs -- a ''strong'' increase in Japan's foreign direct investment share from 9% in 2008 to 58% in 2009, then sustained at 28% in the first half of 2010.
In absolute terms, government records show Japanese FDI grew 339% in 2009.
For exports, records show Philippine exports to Japan increased slightly from 2008 to 2009.
