In this program, we toured around Ifugao, Manila and Los Banos, visited local research and educational institutions such as universities, the Embassy of Japan, JICA Philippines Office, etc., and attended exchange meetings. I learned about the rural areas of the Philippines mainly from the viewpoint of agriculture, education and tourism, also cultivated a better understanding of the current situation in diplomatic relations, trade and development assistance between Japan and the Philippines.

In Ifugao, we attended lectures and research presentations of the “Ifugao Satoyama Meister Training Program” cooperated by Kanazawa University and Ifugao State University. We also experienced ecotourism of rice paddies certified as a UNESCO World Heritage / World Agricultural Heritage and repaired traditional stone walls. Through these activities, I was able to experience the challenges and efforts local people are facing, in terms of transmission of culture, tourism and agriculture.

Most Filipinos are kind and friendly, and English is used at universities and public institutions, so many people speak good English. Therefore, I think the Philippines is a good environment for students who would like to improve their English skills or who would like to try their ability. Also, SNS and emails are very popular in the Philippines, so actively exchanging your contact information with local people will be useful to keep in touch with them. In this way, I was able to build a network for my research, and I could reunite with the locals using this network when I visited Ifugao again the other day.

In addition, my impression of Filipino students and researchers is that they are very hard-working and diligent. Particularly in the research presentation by the trainees of “Ifgao Satoyama Meister Training Program,” I was very impressed with how the trainees analyzed and examined local culture, industry, and natural environment from different perspectives, and how vigorously they learn and take actions.

In the Philippines, you can learn current situation of a country that is in the middle of development from various aspects and in English. The country has many unique culture and nature that can only be seen there.

(Updated: April 3, 2018)