JETAA Philippines

04/08/2026

Congratulations and good luck, JET Philippines Batch 2026!

On July 4th, JETAA Philippines, along with the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, and supported by Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, Singapore (J.CLAIR Singapore), held a pre-departure orientation for the 2026 cohort. First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Mr. ISOWA Koji, gave the opening remarks.

Alumni Jasmin Ibañez (2016-2022) and Glysa Marie Regidor-Bunda (2021-2024) shared valuable insights and experiences during their time on the JET Programme, as well as practical tips for settling into life in Japan. After Q&A sessions, and reminders from JICC and JTB, Mr. TANABE Koichi, Deputy Director from J.CLAIR Singapore, imparted meaningful closing remarks.

On July 25th, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosted "Bridging Journeys: A Joint JDS-JET Programme Fellowship Reception" at De La Salle University, Manila for the new Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme delegates, and Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) participants.

This year, the Philippines has sent 102 Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and 2 Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs). Representing the JET Programme returnees, Ms. Cyra Krizna Jureidini (2021-2026) spoke of her experiences and wonderful memories from living in Japan. Representing the new batch of JETs, Mr. Carlos Buraga spoke of his and his fellows' excitement and anticipation.

Among the reception's distinguished guests were DFA Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez, DEPDev Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno, J.CLAIR Singapore Executive Director Mr. FUJISAWA Yusuke, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Senior Representative Mr. UENO Yoshiyuki.

We wish the best for our newest batch of Ph JETs! Make the country proud as cultural ambassadors between Japan and the Philippines! 🇯🇵🇵🇭

27/07/2026

Congratulations, JET Philippines Batch 2026!

No doubt everyone has arrived safely in Tokyo and are in the middle of their Orientation. Do your best and flourish as cultural ambassadors in Japan!

27/07/2026

23/07/2026

Aurason “Roni” Sindac
Omura, Nagasaki, 2021-2026

Coming to Japan during the pandemic had its challenges, but making friends and finding community was surprisingly easy. Here in Omura, there is a local taiko team that welcomes foreigners. I watched one of their performances during my first month as an ALT, and I’ve been an active member ever since. Taiko has been a great way to integrate myself into the local community, learn to play a traditional Japanese instrument, and grow as a person. It has also been nice seeing my students among the people who come to watch us perform.

Besides taiko, I have also been part of a dance troupe that performs at the city’s annual summer festival. I have participated in cultural exchanges such as the JET Cafe (where I got to talk about the Philippines), contributed to ALT-led events (the annual Skills Development Conference and seasonal gatherings), and tried out experiences hosted by the local tourism board (community kitchens, sakura viewing, pottery making, etc.).

Thanks to the JET Programme, I’ve been able to hone my teaching skills and experience Japan the way I have. This strengthens my belief that, regardless of where we’re from, no matter what stage of life we’re in, we all benefit from connecting and helping each other out.

23/07/2026

John Ziggy Burgos
Kobe, 2021-2026

Kobe Chronicles: Building Bridges Through Language and Laughter

My journey under the JET Programme as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Kobe City, Japan, has been nothing short of a dream. It’s been more than just lessons and lesson plans; it’s about creating unforgettable memories with friends, forging unbreakable bonds between nations, and truly making Kobe feel like my second home.

This chapter in Kobe as a JET ALT filled my life with priceless lessons and memories. From sharing the spirit of bayanihan in my teaching style to experiencing the deep kindness and dedication of Japanese culture, I am grateful for every moment. These friendships—with colleagues, fellow ALTs, students, and the people of Kobe—are the true measure of success, ensuring that the warm connection between our two nations continues to bloom.

23/07/2026

Leah Grace Bernadette Estepa
Tokyo, 2021-2025

I organized language exchange classes (online) for the elective class I handled. I partnered with schools in the Philippines, Saudia Arabia, and Sweden. We also got to exchange postcards with them.

23/07/2026

Ruth Gadia
Tottori, 2016-2019

This picture was taken in the summer of 2017. My co-workers dressed me up in yukata. It was my first time to experience wearing Japanese clothing. Wearing a yukata is a whole process, and I tried my best to learn from my co-workers. They gave me the yukata and I wore it to the local summer festival. The yukata lesson was a meaningful gesture of acceptance and generosity.

23/07/2026

This year marks the 70th Anniversary of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations! Today, we will be sharing some stories of friendship our JET alumni fostered and enjoyed during their time on the Programme.

15/04/2026

Congratulations! おめでとうございます！ 🥳🎉