TIAONG, Quezon -- Councilor Eula Lopez is optimistic about the economic impact of a Japanese community that will soon rise in a 14-hectare land in Barangay Ayusan here.
Lopez said the PHP750-million undertaking of Japan-based firm, Sanko HI Corp., will greatly benefit this municipality in terms of employment, not only of the local residents but also those from neighboring areas.
"This is an opportunity for my fellow Tiaongins, especially residents from Barangay Ayusan 2, my home barangay. I was informed that Barangay Chairman Jun Mendoza stressed to Sanko to prioritize local residents as workers and employees," she said in an interview on Wednesday.
The project, will include a retirement village for Japanese people, a technical-vocational school, dormitory, hospital, nursing home and other facilities.
The dormitory will accommodate students in the vocational school and employees in the nursing home and hospital.
The project is expected to be completed in five years' time.
During the groundbreaking for the undertaking last week, Sanko Director Tsukasa Kato said it will benefit both Filipinos and Japanese, especially those who are in the medical and vocational fields.
He said the vocational school which they would establish will specialize in a caregiving course that will be offered on a "Study Now, Pay Later" scheme. Sure jobs will await those who will qualify after the training.
A Nippongo language school will also be put up.
Kato said the Philippines' climate is ideal for the Japanese elderly who will opt to retire here.
"The tropical climate of the Philippines is perfect for our aging citizens. There are reports of death of our elderly from extreme cold weather in Japan," he added in Nippongo. (PNA)
