IOM to help 200,000 Japanese-Filipino kids

By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:44:00 03/26/2009

MANILA, Philippines—After Japan allowed nationality for illegitimate children of Japanese and Filipino parents, the International Organization for Migration on Thursday said it would help promote the rights and welfare of an estimated 200,000 Japanese-Filipino children.

In a statement, IOM said it is implementing a two-year Toyota Foundation-funded project that aims to “enhance multi-agency cooperation and improve public awareness” on the children’s situation both here and in Japan.

Several months ago, the Japanese government amended its nationality law by allowing individuals born out of wedlock to Japanese and Filipino parents to acquire Japanese nationality, as long as the child is recognized by the father.

Among IOM’s activities would give direct assistance—in the form of pre-departure and post-departure orientation, livelihood assistance, and Japanese language skills training—to at least five Japanese-Filipino children to help them as they make the transition
into life in Japan.

In partnership with the non-governmental organizations Batis Center for Women, Development Action for Women Network, and Citizen’s Network for Japanese-Filipino Children (Maligaya House), IOM will assess the needs of the children and develop strategies for them here in the country.

IOM said it will hold consultations in areas with large Japanese-Filipino children populations throughout the year. Two have already been held in Manila and Baguio City in late February and mid March, respectively. Others will take place in Legaspi City, Cebu City, and Davao City, culminating in national conferences in both Manila and Tokyo before the end of the year.

“The consultations also serve as a platform to strengthen the understanding of relevant actors on the changes in Japanese Nationality Law and their implications,” it said.

“In addition, IOM will facilitate the formation of a multi-sectoral network to enhance improvements in the areas of social, economic, and legal support for the children,” it added.

The Philippine government agencies IOM seeks to work with are: Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Bureau of Immigration, Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine embassy in Japan.

In Japan, IOM would also work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Japanese embassy in the Philippines.