Noynoy assured of Japan support for education, Mindanao peace process

President Benigno Aquino III received reassurance from Japan of its continued support for education and the peace process in Mindanao. Osamu Fujimura, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Japan's special envoy to Wednesday's inauguration, relayed the assurance during a courtesy call on Aquino in Malacañang. Besides transmitting the congratulatory message from the Emperor of Japan, Fujimura also congratulated Aquino on behalf of the Japanese government, the Japanese Embassy said in an article posted on its website late Thursday. Fujimura "also hoped that the two countries would further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries under the new administrations on both sides, led by Prime Minister Kan and President Aquino respectively," the statement on its website said. Aquino was sworn in on Wednesday as the country's 15th President. During the courtesy call, Fujimura said Japan, as the top donor to the Philippines, will remain committed to assisting the Philippines through the Official Development Assistance (ODA). He also informed Mr. Aquino the Japanese government had newly approved a project to provide the public schools in Luzon and Visayas region with personal computers. The project will provide 7,750 desktop computers to 775 public high schools in Luzon and Visayas, allowing 170,000 students a hands-on experience with computers. Under this program, some 775 teachers are also expected to train themselves in using computers. "State Secretary Fujimura also referred to the inauguration speech by the President which stressed the importance of education. Both sides shared the view that it is most important for the state to prioritize and provide consistent support to basic education to ensure a better future for children," the Embassy said. Fujimura also renewed Japan’s commitment to supporting and contributing to the Mindanao peace process. In response, Mr. Aquino expressed his appreciation for the Japanese support for these two initiatives. "(Aquino) also stated that his administration would address the task of improving the business environment for the Japanese companies," the Japanese Embassy statement said. - RJAB Jr./JV, GMANews.TV