A delegation of international students from the OISCA Academy in Hamamatsu, Japan visited Sagay City from December 1 to 4 as part of their annual Cultural and Environmental Immersion Program, a press release from Sagay PIO said.
The group was composed of 22 students—four female and 18 male—and two faculty members, Harakawa Seiha and Sakai Daichi.
The delegation included students of different nationalities: four Filipinos, and an Indonesian Muslim, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai, Nepalese, Argentinian, and the rest were Japanese.
During their four-day stay, the students participated in various learning activities highlighting Sagay’s culture, community life, and environmental conservation efforts.
Activities included a tree planting at the OISCA Farm in Hacienda Ricky, Brgy. Paraiso, courtesy call with Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, friendly football match with the Sagay National High School team, and visit to the Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park, where they learned about community-led conservation.
In their courtesy call request, OISCA Academy emphasized that Sagay has long been one of their chosen partner localities due to the city’s strong reputation in sustainability, youth development, and cultural heritage.
The academy noted that the visit is part of their international learning initiative that exposes students to environmental stewardship and intercultural understanding.
Cueva welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the continued partnership between Sagay City and OISCA, noting that the city values programs that strengthen environmental education and global friendship among youth.
The mayor welcomed the delegation along with OISCA Philippines Secretary General Agnes Iida.
OISCA Academy, which includes the OISCA Hamamatsu Kokusai High School and the OISCA College for Global Cooperation, is known for its SDGs-based curriculum, environmental projects, and international education programs that support both Japanese and foreign students.
The city government also hosted a welcome dinner for the group as part of its support to the program.*
