The Australian government has recently chosen 14 new students to become recipients of its newest batch of grants from the Australian Leadership Awards (ALA).
In keeping with the government’s goal of giving educational opportunities to deserving students in its neighbouring country in the Asia Pacific region, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith announced that a new batch of scholarships will be given to students to allow them to take postgraduate studies in some of the best universities in Australia next year.
“The awards demonstrate Australia’s commitment to supporting development in the Philippines and to promoting the greater mutual understanding and cooperation in matters of shared critical concern,” the ambassador said.
The chosen Filipino students were Paul Adolfo (who will take up Master of Public Policy at the Australian National University), Ma. Gena Buenconsejo (Master of Community Planning and Development, La Trobe University), Maria Frencie Carreon (Doctorate in Arts, Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney), Juan Dayang, Jr. (Doctorate in Diplomatic Studies, Australian National University), Francis Ron de Guzman (Master of Climate Change, Australian National University), Wilham Hailaya (Doctorate of Education, University of Adelaide), Jayson Ibanez (Doctorate, Charles Darwin University), Jaime Manalo IV (Master of Communication, University of Queensland), Lorelei Peralta (Master of Marine Studies, University of Wollongong), Benjamin Pineda (Master of Governance and Public Policy, University of Queensland), Tomas Pedro Reginaldo (Master of Rehabilitation Counselling, University of Sydney), Lorna Santos (Master of Forensic Science, Bond University), Mary Rose Soria (Master of Applied Science in Geology, James Cook University), and Susan Valerio (Doctorate in Business Administration, Charles Darwin University).
“These 14 outstanding Filipinos have been identified for their potential to assume leadership roles which can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in the Philippines and the region,” said Smith.
Australia has annually chosen scholars from the Philippines to continue their postgraduate degrees in various fields in an effort to provide opportunities for higher education to Filipinos.
The scholarship programs also give chosen students the chance to join the Leadership Development Program which aims to strengthen the participants’ leadership skills, establish regional networks, and enhance their understanding of regional development challenges through the promotion of education.
“Education is the engine room of ideas,” said Smith. “It revolutionises opportunity, builds the fabric of societies, promotes development, and fosters the growth of durable institutions.”
