THE first batch of scholars composed of 17 Negrense health workers under the Japanese Language and Care Worker Study Scholarship Program recently finished their two-year vocational care worker course at the Houshin School of Healthcare in Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.The graduates are Rhea Mae Ermeo from Bago City, Cherie Mae Semeña from Binalbagan, Femar Aquino, Jazmin Ferrer and Arjean Valiente from Cadiz City, Lyrine Ortiz, Jaime Padrid Jr. from Himamaylan City, Don Vetsky Decena from Hinoba-an, Mary Pauline Arro from Kabankalan City, Ferlie John Argando from La Castellana, Edson Pakingking from Murcia, Tracy Lane Rubio and Hervie Superticioso from Pontevedra, Melbourne Crispo from San Enrique, John Mark Fernandez from Silay City, Kevin Clyde Catequista from Sipalay City, and Mary Grace Joan Ebro from Talisay City.Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in his commencement speech, lauded the scholars for their dedication and advised them to be responsible products of the province.“As you venture into another chapter of your professional life, always remember, that you are also paving the way on behalf of the other young Negrenses who wish to follow your footsteps. I am taking this opportunity to encourage all of you to stay and work with the Houei Group. Let us show the world not just skills we have, but also our proper work ethics and character,” he said.The governor thanked the Houei Group and Yutaka No Sato Social Welfare Corp. for being partners of the province and for their commitment to promote sustainable international education.“I am glad that Negrenses are not left behind as the entire global community is getting more and more integrated and connected,” Lacson said, stating that while movement and in-person interactions are limited because of Covid-19 pandemic, communities around the world remain connected.The Japanese Language and Careworker Study Scholarship Program is a study now, pay later program under the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division.It is offered to nursing and midwifery graduates and other health related degree holders, who will study Japanese language course for one year and three months at the Houei International Japanese Language Academy and vocational caregiving course for two years at Houshin Fukushi Gakuen.The scholars took the national licensure examinations in January this year and passers will be announced later. They are now on a special activity visa and will transition to care worker visa or nursing care visa soon.The first batch of scholars left for Japan in January 2019. Currently, there are 13 more Negrense scholars in Japan who are set to finish their caregiving course in 2023.The graduation ceremony was attended by Miyakonojo City Mayor Takahisa Ikeda, Yutaka No Sato Social Welfare Corp. Chairman Yukiko Shimizu, Houei Group President Yukari Shimizu Edwards, Houie Group Vice President Takako Shimizu Wee, Houei Group International Affairs General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of International Japanese Language Academy Leroy Edwards and Houei Enterprises Ltd. President Noriyuki Tsuda.The principal, assistant principal, teachers and admin staff of the school also attended the activity. (PR)