Attention Jenesys Student Ambassadors 2009 Batch 2

Dear Supervisors of Batch 2 09 Jenesys,

My attention has been called regarding the manifesto which the youth ambassadors intend to give to the Ambassador of Japan. I understand the frustration and the fear of the youth ambassadors that the trip may not pushed through. However, let us not over react and be caught up with our emotions. I think the manifesto would do us more harm than good based on how I know the Japanese people.

I was there when the decision was being made regarding the postponement of the trip. Commissioner Abante and Director Dodo and Ms Yofu and I deliberated on the situation. The decision was met with a heavy heart because we all know how everyone prepared hard for this project. If we were frustrated, I think moreso with the Japanese families, JICE coordinators, volunteers, parents and students who were all waiting for all of us. It is best for everyone to also think of how these people feel and how much they want the project to push through.

Decisions like this are made in considerations of so many things. In our case, the health welfare of everyone was the prime concern. Even now that the situation seems to be okay in Japan, they don't still like to take the risks of sending you to Japan. That is why when the decision was made, Director Dodo reiterated the fact that the resumption of the project will depend not only on the H1N1 situation but also the schedule and preparedness of the people who are behind the project.

For your information, everything in Japan is scheduled. If there are changes in the schedule, the postponed activity will be considered for the next cycle (year) plan. They do not like to disrupt anything that have been set. That is why Director Dodo said it will be resumed next year depending on the directives of the Mnistry of Foreign Affairs.

I think it is not good to even suggest to them what to do because they know their obligations and commitment to us. Sending the manifesto would imply that we are doubting their sincerity and sense of commitment. I don't think we would like them to even think that we are doubting them.

As recipients of the project, it is but proper that we give them all the right to make the decisions without any pressure from us. It is their program and we are just the beneficiaries. Let us keep it that way for better understanding.

Let us believe and trust on what Commissioner Abante promised us. NYC knows its responsibility and it is doing it with utmost efficiency.

My request then is for us to be patient and believe in our officials and on the promise of the Japanese government. Remember the best for anything is God's time. Let us not preempt what great blessings are in store for all of us.

God bless and take care.

Truly yours,

Amelia C. Fajardo

Amelia C. Fajardo, Ph.D.
Faculty-in-Charge
Curriculum Studies Area
UP College of Education
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Tel. No. (+63)-2-981-8500 ext 2823