Australian Embassy
The Philippines

MR140715 - Australia taps alumni to boost development, cooperation ties in the Philippines

Australia taps alumni to boost development, cooperation ties in the Philippines
15 July 2014

Australia is broadening its support to development in the Philippines through new initiatives that tap into the potential of individuals and organisations of Filipinos who wield Australian education credentials.

Recognizing this huge potential for positive social impacts and deepening people-to-people links, two initiatives are currently being administered by the Philippines-Australia Human Resource and Organisational Development Facility (PAHRODF) and the Philippine Australian Alumni Association, Incorporated (PA3i) in coordination with the Australian Embassy. These initiatives seek to create opportunities for public-private partnerships and development advocacies, as well as to recognize significant contributions made by Australian alumni to Philippine society and in their chosen professions.

“The Australian Government recognises the important role that alumni play as partners in development. Filipinos equipped with internationally-recognised Australian education credentials are potent force for nation-building. We are excited at the possibilities that our alumni may be able to bring,” said Anthony Weymouth, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner of the Australian Embassy.

The newest initiative, the Alumni Grant Scheme (AGS) is aimed at Australian alumni groups and individuals undertaking projects that contribute to sectors that have been identified as priority areas for cooperation by the Australian and Philippine governments: Education; Crisis Management; Governance; Environment; and Entrepreneurship. Successful proposals will receive financial support through the AGS.

Alumni who wish to submit proposals for the AGS may view the requirements and download necessary forms through the Australian Embassy website (http://www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/AGS2014.html), the PAHRODF website (http://www.pahrodf.org.ph/) or the PA3i website (http://www.pa3i.org/). Submission of project/activity proposals will be accepted until 15 August 2014.

Recently, PA3i and the Australian Embassy hosted the inaugural awarding ceremony for alumni of Australian universities. The Australian Alumni Awards provide a channel for the recognition and promotion of exemplary efforts made by alumni toward national development and social change. The Outstanding Australian Alumni Award is given to individuals, while the Outstanding PA3i Chapter Project Award is given to alumni groups with completed projects under specific Chapters of the PA3i.

The PA3i is the umbrella organisation of scholars and graduates of formal degree and non-degree training programs offered by Australian universities and training institutions.

The PAHRODF is a five-year program tasked with providing complementary support to the Australian Government’s commitments to Philippine development. The Facility helps build the foundation of good governance by addressing the human resource and organisational development requirements of partner organisations.