On June 5, 2026, the Philippines Arayat Training School (PATS) celebrated the graduation of its fourth batch of scholars at its campus in Sto. Niño Tabuan, Arayat, Pampanga. Guided by the theme, “PATS 2026 Graduates: Turning Dreams Beyond Borders into Reality,” the ceremony honored 60 graduates who successfully completed their Japanese language and technical training and are now preparing to begin their professional careers in Japan.
The occasion was more than a graduation ceremony. It was a celebration of the determination, discipline, and perseverance that enabled these young Filipinos to transform their aspirations into real opportunities. Their achievement reflects the very essence of this year’s theme, proving that with the right training, support, and commitment, dreams beyond borders can indeed become reality.
The success of Batch 4 is a testament to the vision that has guided PATS since its establishment. The school continues to carry forward the commitment of Mr. Fumio Tamura, whose dedication to creating opportunities for Filipino youth has helped open pathways to global careers. Through quality education, skills development, and Japanese language training, PATS has empowered hundreds of young Filipinos to pursue meaningful employment and brighter futures.
The event also highlighted the shared commitment of PATS, the PTC Group, Lifelinks International Resources, Inc., and their partners in Japan in helping Filipino talent access global opportunities. Through collaboration among training institutions, employers, and workforce development partners, graduates are provided with clear pathways toward meaningful and ethical employment abroad.
As the official processing and deployment partner of PATS, Lifelinks International Resources, Inc. serves as the designated Sending Organization for the graduates. Lifelinks facilitates employer matching, documentation, visa processing, deployment requirements, and pre-departure preparations, helping graduates transition from the classroom to the workplace in Japan through ethical and people-centered recruitment practices.
Representing Lifelinks during the ceremony were Ms. Maricar Boteja and Ms. Liana Manalanzan from the Business Development Team, Mr. Edric Tabulug, Ms. Irish Santos, and Ms. Denese Mendoza, from the Accounts Team. Mr. Leslie Suntay, Head of Strategy of PTC Shipping and General Manager of PTC Japan, attended on behalf of the PTC Group.
The event was also attended by distinguished guests from Japan, including Ms. Kaneko Yamada and Mr. Akira Hagiwara of Sagrada Co., Ltd. Mr. Hagiwara likewise serves as President of PTC Japan, further highlighting the strong collaboration among PATS, the PTC Group, Lifelinks, and their partners in Japan. Sagrada is a valued partner that specializes in supporting foreign nationals under Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program, helping connect international talent with opportunities across industries such as hospitality, food service, agriculture, and nursing care. Their presence reflected the shared commitment to creating meaningful career opportunities for aspiring Filipino professionals.
The ceremony featured messages from Arayat Municipal Mayor Hon. Jeffrey M. Luriz, PATS Chairman Mr. Fumio Tamura, and representatives from partner organizations. During his congratulatory message, Mr. Leslie Suntay encouraged the graduates to carry strong values as they pursue opportunities abroad. Drawing inspiration from the historic voyage of the Espiritu Santo in 1564, he compared the graduates’ journey to Japan to that of the first Filipinos who ventured beyond their homeland in search of new possibilities. He reminded them to represent the Philippines with pride and integrity and to bring home the knowledge and experiences they gain throughout their careers.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Shintaro Tamura, School Administrator, who thanked the families, partners, and supporters whose sacrifices and encouragement helped make the graduates’ success possible. He commended Batch 4 for their hard work, discipline, and resilience and encouraged them to carry forward the lessons and values they gained from PATS as they begin their professional careers. He expressed confidence that the knowledge they acquired and the relationships they built during their training would serve as a strong foundation for their future success.
A Graduation Gift from the PTC Group
As part of the celebration, the PTC Group organized a cultural visit to the Museo del Galeòn on June 10, 2026, as a graduation gift for Batch 4 graduates and PATS faculty members. Representatives from both Lifelinks and the PTC Group accompanied the graduates during the visit.
The museum tour provided the graduates with a deeper appreciation of Philippine maritime heritage and the historic Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, offering a unique perspective on the cultural connections that have shaped generations of Filipinos. Beyond being an educational experience, the visit served as a meaningful send-off before the graduates begin their own journeys to Japan, reflecting the PTC Group’s commitment to holistic development and preparing globally minded Filipino professionals.
As Batch 4 prepares to take the next step toward their careers abroad, the theme of this year’s graduation continues to resonate. Through the combined efforts of PATS, the PTC Group, Lifelinks, and their partners in Japan, these graduates are no longer simply dreaming of opportunities beyond borders. They are now turning those dreams into reality.
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