For the first time, the Japanese government has recognized Filipino children, sired by Japanese fathers before World War II. The move by the Tokyo Family Court to grant Japanese citizenship to at least four Filipino children, now in their 80s, was a moment of surprise to the families.
At present, there are at least 2,500 Filipino children, whose Japanese fathers’ names they may have forgotten. But from sheer stroke of luck, the beneficiaries’ wishes were realized, after many decades of waiting. The Japanese government’s move to recognize Fil-Jap children by granting them citizenship is a privilege they will cherish forever. Because being granted Japanese citizenship may mean more benefits, knowing the economic situation in the Philippines. However, it would only take a few more months before they could finally adjust themselves to the Japanese lifestyles and the language. The principal beneficiaries may not benefit anymore considering their age, but their grandchildren, will do, once they are transplanted into the Japanese soil: The Land of the Rising Sun.
What about the children of U.S. military personnel who were stationed at the former Subic Naval Base and the Clark Field facilities in the Philippines? Thousands of them are roaming around the country, without knowing the names of their American fathers. Is the U.S. government is doing something to conduct a census on how many of them could be granted American citizenship? After all, it wasn’t their fault to be in that situation. Perhaps, the Pearl S. Buck Foundation may once again help in providing assistance to these abandoned Filipino-American children, who are dreaming of a much better future, too.
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