RTVM's video: http: rtvm gov ph - Meeting with the Filipino Community

Kindergarten Bldg., Ishinomaki Catholic Church 26 September 2011 President Benigno S. Aquino III met with members and group leaders of the Hawak Kamay sa Mahal na Ina (HAKMI) Filipino church community in Ishinomaki to listen to their stories and experiences when the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami disasters hit the city. FilCom representatives Marlene Shoji, Amelia Sasaki, Marife Sugawara and Kathryn Goto told the President of their plight after the twin disasters happened but they were able to survive through the support coming from the governments of Japan and Philippines and by helping each other. Addressing the group in Tagalog, President Aquino replied that Japan has greatly helped the Philippines in terms of their assistance for disaster risk mitigation programs and the Mindanao peace process. He said his visit here in Japan is to convey primarily the strong support of the country and to return the gesture by way of a US$1-million pledge for the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Ishinomaki. He also hoped that Japan would soon recover from the massive destruction and bring back the vibrancy in the region. In his parting message for the Filipinos who came all the way from the Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima Prefectures, President Aquino told them that these are challenges from God and He has better plans for them so they must keep their faith strong and their hearts open to hurdle this difficult period in their lives. * * *