Duterte seeks Japan’s support in technical, vocational education

By: Daniza Fernandez - 3 years ago

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gives his intervention as he joins other leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries, the Republic of Korea, People’s Republic of China and Japan during the special ASEAN Plus Three Summit on Covid-19 video conference at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on April 14, 2020. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is seeking Japan’s support in technical and vocational education as nations recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Japan Summit on Wednesday, Duterte noted the importance of human capital development to COVID-19 recovery.

“Integral to our recovery efforts is human capital development. We have to equip our people for the future world of work,” he said.

“As the inaugural chair of the Asean TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) Council for 2020 to 2022, the Philippines seeks Japan’s support in technical and vocational education and training,” the president added.

Duterte expressed appreciation over Japan’s continued support to Asean, which includes the Philippines, in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Japan is a staunch partner of Asean in promoting peace and development. The pandemic has not weakened our dynamic engagement,” the chief executive said.

“We deeply appreciate Japan’s continued support for the Philippines’ and Asean’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts,” he said.

“As we gear up for sustainable recovery, we hope to continue working with Japan to fortify regional and global supply chains, build quality infrastructure, boost tourism, and strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises,” Duterte went on.

Duterte participated in the 38th and 39th Asean Summits and related summits which were held from October 26 to 28.

He is virtually speaking before co-Asean leaders at the Malacañang Palace due to the restrictions brought by COVID-19.