(Manila, Philippines) – Mrs. Akie Abe, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s wife, visited the Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB) Thursday afternoon.

The PNSB, the country’s pioneer and leading exponent in the education of visually impaired Filipino children, is the first stop of Mrs. Abe upon her arrival in the Philippines for the two-day official visit of the Japanese Prime Minister.

“I have just arrived in the Philippines and travelled to this school (PNSB) from the airport,” Mrs. Abe said.

Mrs. Abe went to the school’s Grade 11 class where she was presented with paper artwork made by the students. She later interacted with them after giving a brief message.

Mrs. Abe’s visit to the PNSB aims to show her support to Filipino children with physical challenges and to encourage them to further their education.

“I believe every single person has his own mission. You have a lot of talent,” Mrs Abe said as she told the class of Grade 11 students to study very hard and unleash their potential despite their visual impairment.

The 30-minute visit of the Japanese First Lady likewise aims to promote the advocacy project of Mrs. Yukari Ishida, Project Manager of Free The Children Japan, in cooperation with Konkokyo Peace Activity Information Office, Inc. (KPACIO) on the rehabilitation of the PNSB dormitory for the benefit of its in-house students and the provision of a school vehicle.

Mrs. Edna Calixto, wife of Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto, and Mrs. Corazon Salvador, Office in-Charge of PNSB, led the government officials who welcomed Mrs. Abe and her official party.###MARO-Content