AFSJ Backgrounder Introduction

1.1 Association of Filipino Students in Japan: What is AFSJ for? ASFJ is for Uniting the whole Filipino studentry in Japan (Tokyo), Promoting and protecting their rights and welfare, and Fostering a closer relationship among Filipino students, Filipino community in Japan, Japanese society and other nationals in general in order to instill national consciousness for the advancement of the Filipino people. 1.2 AFSJs Principles and Objectives The Association believes that (i) education should develop the students' physical, mental, social, cultural, and spiritual potential to the full, in order to realize a human and humane existence for all and (ii) education should enhance critical thoughts and ability to make informed judgments, free of dogmas and myths. The main objectives of the Association are: Assist its members to excel in their respective fields of study. Serve as an active forum for student ideas and sentiments. Develop social awareness and instill national consciousness among the students Unite with various communities of Filipinos in Japan in pursuit of common interests, particularly in the general welfare of the Philippines. Who can join AFSJ? All bonafide students studying in Japan Filipino professionals working in Japan who abide by the rules and regulations of the AFSJ. They are known as Associate Members 1.3 Constitution and By Laws According to Article 1, Section 1 of the AFSJ Constitution, the Association shall be known as "ASSOCIATION OF FILIPINO STUDENTS IN JAPAN" or "AFSJ". Article 1, Section 2 stated that the Association shall be based in Tokyo, Japan whose official address, including web pages and contact numbers, shall be issued by the standing Executive Council. Other information regarding membership, rights, duties and obligations, etc can be found by the AFSJ Constitution.

AFSJ Backgrounder 1.4 Executive Committee 2010-2011 Article VI, Section 1 stated that the executive powers and functions of the Association shall be vested in the executive council headed by the President. The Executive Council (Art. VI, Sec. 3) shall be composed of the following officers: a.) President b.) Vice-President c.) Secretary d.) Treasurer e.) Public Relations Officer All members of the Executive Council shall hold office for one year effective from their induction into office and/or until their successor shall have been elected and inducted. All elected officials of the association shall be inducted into office not later than 60 days following their proclamation (Art. XII, Sec.1-2). The 2011-2012 Executive Councils were the following: President: ARIANNE DUMAYAS University: Chuo University Email: aryan12487@yahoo.com

Vice-President: GLADYS ANGALA University: The University of Tokyo Email: glad.angala@gmail.com

Secretary: LOWELA SIAROT University: The University of Tokyo Email: lowela15@yahoo.com

Treasurer: GISELLE GRACE LIM University: The University of Tokyo Email: gisellegracelim@yahoo.com

AFSJ Backgrounder Public Relations Officer: CHERRY MAY MATEO University: The University of Tokyo Email: cherry.mateo@gmail.com

1.5 Calendar of Activities Table 1 summarizes the annual activities of the Association. It usually starts on April with the welcoming of the new students known as kouhais. Major events of AFSJ include the General Assembly, AYNJ Asean Festival, and Christmas Party with STAC-J. General Assembly was celebrated every month of May wherein new students were welcomed as official members, Executive Committee officially took their oaths, and new projects and activities for the school year were presented.

Table 1 AFSJ Calendar of Activities. Month April May June July August September October November November December January February March External Welcome Party for New Students AFSJ General Assembly and Oath Taking of New ExeCom AYNJ Asean Festival Hanabi at Sumidagawa Mt. Fuji Hike Joint activity with STAC-J UTAWIT Momiji Party (Nikko) PAG induction ceremony Christmas Party with STAC-J Formation of ELECOM, Nomination for New ExeCom Ski Trip with Leadership Seminar Election and Orientation of new ExeCom

1.6 Accomplishment for 2010-2011 AFSJs theme for 2010-2011 was Reach Out and Unite and following this years theme, summary of the accomplished activities were presented as follows: a) Welcome Party for New Students b) AFSJ 2011General Assembly and Oath Taking of New Officers

AFSJ Backgrounder i) AFSJ General Assembly ii) Oath Taking iii) Photo Contest 2011 c) AFSJ 2011 Unity Calendar d) ASEAN Youth Network in Japan (AYNJ) i) AYNJ 2011 Festival ii) AYNJ Sports Festival e) AFSJ-STAC-J Joint Christmas Party f) Other Activities i) Financial Report ii) New AFSJ Facebook account iii) Mt. Takao Climb iv) Election of New Officers v) Leadership Training for 2011-2012 Executive Committee 1.7 Future Plans For the academic year 2011-2012, the Association proposed the continuation of the project, Pinoy Student Fund (PSF) with the development of Memorandum of Agreement. For this year, AFSJ also will have bigger involvement with AYNJ.