67 FILIPINOS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY IN LEADING AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES
A new group of Filipino professionals awarded scholarships through the Australia Awards – Development Awards, is set to leave this January 2012 to pursue post-graduate studies in Australia.
“Australia Awards are a cornerstone of Australia-Philippines relations and provide lasting contribution to Philippine development through education,” Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith said. “We are proud to have hosted over 2,000 Filipino awardees since the 1960s, and over 400 in the past five years.”
Ambassador Smith also noted that the awardees will be studying in world class universities in Australia. The 2011-12 World University Rankings show that eight Australian universities are among the 100 most prestigious universities in world.
Awardees were selected under ‘targeted’ and ‘open’ categories. The targeted category awardees come from Australia’s key partner agencies delivering priority development initiatives on basic education, social protection/welfare, peace and development, public financial management, disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, and organisational development, among others. These scholars have been identified by their agencies as key change agents and are expected to contribute to organisational development upon return. ‘Open category’ awards are offered to high-achieving individuals from both the public and private sector interested to pursue development-related post-graduate studies in Australia.
Top-ranked awardees were also given a supplemental Australian Leadership Award, which will provide them access to leadership development opportunities while in Australia.
“The 67 Filipinos awarded scholarships in this round are an impressive and diverse group of scholars,” Ambassador Smith said. “I am confident that they will perform well in their studies and contribute to the development of the Philippines on their return.”
The awardees attended a three-day pre departure briefing to help them prepare for their study life in Australia. The scholars also defined their re-entry action plans, which includes programs or projects that they will implement when they return to share what they learned from their studies in Australia.
Past Australian Government scholars who have made significant contributions in their respective fields include: former Department of Education Undersecretary Fe Hidalgo, Mr Rex Bernardo (2008 Apolinario Mabini Presidential Awardee, 2008 Ten Outstanding Young Men awardee, and 2011 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader), and Ms Dodette Bernaldez (2010 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee).
At least 120 Australia Awards scholarships will be available for the Philippines in 2013. The application period is 1 February – 30 April 2012. Further information on the Australia Awards are available at www.australiaawards.gov.au and www.pahrodf.org.ph.