The online recognition program entitled "A Tribute to Excellence: Recognition of Outstanding Academic Achievers and Professionals under the FIL-JAP & Bicol-US Sponsorship Program" was successfully held via Zoom on June 27, 2026. The event was graced by the presence of the Continental Director of FFWPU Asia Pacific, Rev. Yutaka Yamada, and the Regional Director of FFWPU Philippines, Rev. Leo Angelo Halog, together with sponsors, church leaders, scholars, graduates, professionals, families, and community members from various countries. The gathering celebrated the remarkable academic and professional achievements of the beneficiaries of the FIL-JAP and Bicol-US Sponsorship Programs.
The FIL-JAP & BICOL-US Sponsorship Program began from the heartfelt mission of Filipino-Japanese Blessed Families living in Japan, the Philippines, and the United States. In 2019, they carried out their Heavenly Tribal Messiah (HTM) mission in the Bicol Region through the collaborative efforts of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Through this partnership, the team provided Marriage Blessing programs, character education, family values education, and various community development projects. As relationships with local families grew, many parents and young people expressed their desire to continue receiving guidance and support.
Recognizing the potential of these young people, the sponsors launched the FIL-JAP & BICOL-US Sponsorship Program to assist graduates of the DSWD 4Ps Program as they pursued higher education. Each student receives a monthly educational allowance of ₱500, together with leadership training, character education, martial art training, values formation, and additional educational assistance through UPF and FFWPU. Students are also given opportunities to stay and participate in activities at the training center in Legazpi City.
Since its inception, the program has supported around 260 students, with 195 degree holders and 80 of them were board passers.
This tribute is dedicated to honoring these graduates and professionals whose perseverance and achievements stand as an inspiration to future generations. It also expresses our deepest gratitude to the FIL-JAP & BICOL-US sponsors whose unwavering generosity has made these dreams possible.
The program officially commenced with the welcome message delivered by Ms. Niña Yang, Coordinator of the Fil-Jap Program and Program Coordinator of UPF-Bicol. She emphasized the importance of education, character development, and the continuous support provided by the sponsorship programs in nurturing future leaders. Following this, Mr. Ramon Dedase, Coordinator of the Fil-Jap HTM Community, delivered the Opening Message, encouraging the scholars to remain grateful, persevere in their goals, and become individuals who contribute positively to society. A Video Presentation highlighting the history, mission, and accomplishments of the Fil-Jap & FICA Scholarship Program was shown, reflecting the impact of the sponsorship programs in transforming the lives of many students and their families.
One of the highlights of the event was the Testimony Session, where selected graduates and professionals shared their inspiring journeys. Each testimony reflected how the scholarship program had not only supported their education but had also strengthened their faith, character, and commitment to serving others.
The participants were further inspired by the special messages delivered by the church leaders. Rev. Leo Angelo Halog, Regional Director of FFWPU Philippines, emphasized that the sponsorship program is not only about providing financial assistance to students but, more importantly, about guiding them to know and understand Heavenly Parent and True Parents. He expressed his confidence that this meaningful initiative would continue to expand to other regions in the Philippines and eventually to other nations.
Meanwhile, Rev. Yutaka Yamada, Continental Director of FFWPU Asia Pacific, encouraged everyone to pursue excellence while living lives centered on God and serving humanity. He highlighted the importance of passing these values on to the next generation, emphasizing that true success is measured not only by academic and professional achievements but also by a heart of service, integrity, and a commitment to living for the sake of others.
Their inspiring messages reminded the scholars and participants that genuine achievement is found not only in personal accomplishments but also in living a life of faith, purpose, and service.
Overall, the recognition program successfully honored the outstanding academic achievers and professionals who benefited from the FIL-JAP and Bicol-US Sponsorship Programs. More than recognizing academic excellence, the event celebrated perseverance, faith, gratitude, and the transformative power of education made possible through the generosity of sponsors and the continuous support of the FFWPU and UPF communities. It served as a meaningful reminder that investing in the education and character development of young people creates future leaders who will contribute to building peaceful families, responsible communities, and a better world.
Moments captured on this day.
Reflections shared by participants during this event.
“Serving as the Coordinator of the Fil-Jap Program and Program Coordinator of UPF-Bicol has allowed me to witness firsthand the incredible work of our Heavenly Parent and True Parents through the lives of our young people. Looking back, I can only offer my deepest gratitude because this program is not merely a scholarship initiative—it is truly a providential project prepared by Heaven. As I accompanied our scholars throughout their journey, I realized that this program has become a powerful environment for spiritual growth. Despite the pressures of academic life, many of our scholars have continued to participate in witnessing, HTM, IAYSP activities, church ministries, fundraising conditions, youth education, and public missions. Rather than allowing education to distance them from the Providence, this program has inspired them to see their studies as part of their offering to Heaven. Personally, this mission has deepened my own faith. It reminds me that every scholar entrusted to this program is not simply a student but a precious son or daughter of our Heavenly Parent with a unique role in the Providence. As coordinators and leaders, our responsibility is not only to support their education but also to help cultivate their heart so they may become lifelong witnesses and faithful leaders.”
Ms. Niña Yang
Coordinator of the Fil-Jap Program and Program Coordinator of UPF-Bicol
“I realized that the greatest scholarship being offered was never about financial assistance. It was the priceless opportunity to meet God, to experience His love personally, and to accept True Parents with my heart, mind, and soul. Today, I can confidently say that this is the greatest scholarship I have ever received. It did not simply help me finish my education—it transformed my life. It gave me a new purpose, a new family, and a new understanding of God's dream for humanity. Looking back, I realize that whatever I have become today is the fruit of the sacrifices, love, and dedication of our leaders, elders, and brothers and sisters who never stopped investing in young people like me. Every achievement I have today is not mine alone. It is your achievement, it is True Parents' achievement, and above all, it is Heavenly Parent's victory.”
Mr. Christian Mark Cadag
Teacher 1, DepEd Legazpi
