New Zealand awards scholarships to 19 Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines - The New Zealand Government has awarded 19 postgraduate scholarships to Filipino students under the New Zealand ASEAN Scholars (NZAS) awards, a scholarship program funded by the New Zealand Government through the New Zealand Aid Program.

Ambassador Reuben Levermore congratulated the scholars at a pre-departure reception hosted at his residence last Jan. 11. Ambassador Levermore said, “We wish the scholars success in their studies at New Zealand universities and hope that they will share their knowledge when they return to their respective fields in the Philippines.”

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Roberto Romulo was the guest of honor at the reception. He is an honorary adviser to the Asia New Zealand Foundation. In presenting the scholars with Certificates of Recognition Mr Romulo said, “The Philippines’ ties with New Zealand are very important and the scholars of the New Zealand Aid Program have an important role to play in the development of this country.” Romulo encouraged the scholars to make the most of their experience living in New Zealand, and to make an effort to understand the country and its culture.

Ace Padua of the Department of Agriculture has received a scholarship to study a Master of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University. Padua says, “New Zealand has an immense knowledge in Agriculture and Agribusiness. I will be given the opportunity to learn the theory behind their success.”

Kris Ablan, who will study a postgraduate diploma in Development Studies at the University of Auckland, said, “On my return to the Philippines I hope to be able to replicate New Zealand’s best practices on tourism and heritage, education development and resource management, particularly in my home province of Ilocos Norte. I am interested in studying how New Zealand preserves and protect its natural resources.” “I also want to skydive in Taupo!” Ablan added.

The scholars were selected through a competitive process, and assessed on the basis of their leadership potential, knowledge of their selected field of study and its relevance to development in the Philippines. The scholars will pursue postgraduate studies in a range of areas where New Zealand has recognized expertise including renewable/geothermal energy, environmental management, agriculture, governance and tourism.

The New Zealand ASEAN Scholars awards are open to eligible candidates from the public, private and civil society sectors. Information on the NZAS Scholarship program can be found on the New Zealand Aid Program website: http://www.aid.govt.nz/funding-and-contracts/scholarships/types-scholarship/new-zealand-asean-scholar-awards

Interested applicants may also contact Reina Lino, NZAS Program administrator of Bato Balani Foundation, Inc. at email address [email protected] or at tel. no. (632) 8925462.