A FILIPINO educator was recently distinguished for her contribution in promoting academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the Philippines.
The government of Japan announced on November 3 the conferment of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon on Dr. Ines Yamanouchi-Mallari, president of Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku.
Yamanouchi-Mallari became the head of Nikkeijin Kokusai School in 2001, and joined the establishment of Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku in 2002, where she has been holding the top post since 2010.
With her initiative, these schools have provided a wide range of curricula related to Japan, including its language. She has been exerting efforts to introduce Japanese culture, and promoting cultural linkages between two countries.
A third-generation Japanese descendant, Yamanouchi-Mallari has also contributed to the improvement of the status of Nikkeijin and the bilateral exchanges between Japan and the Philippines through activities, such as supporting the development of young generation of Nikkei-jin community, and organizing annual memorial services for the remembrance of Japanese settlers in Davao. In particular, she has greatly contributed to the investigation and interviews of Japanese descendants for the recognition of their nationality.
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines said its government extends its sincere congratulations to Yamanouchi-Mallari, and hopes she will continue to take an active role in further strengthening the close relations between the two nations.