Hikes scholarship grants, UK invests in future Phl leaders

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippines has been chosen as one of the 118 nations prioritized for the additional Chevening scholarship grants to be awarded by the government of the United Kingdom for academic years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, as announced by the British Embassy Manila.

The Chevening scholarship is an international scholarship program that enables students with leadership potentials from 144 countries and territories to undertake postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.            

Colin Glen, the embassy's second secretary on bilateral communications, said the program wanted to invest in future Filipino leaders as part of UK's consistent strong bilateral relations with the Philippines.

The additional scholarship grants will be funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organizations.

Embassy officials were in Cebu Monday to introduce in the Visayas the GREAT campaign which highlights British business and culture.

Glen shared that Chevening has already produced around 43,000 alumni from countries around the world who have comprised the influential global network. There are about 300 Chevening alumni in the Philippines since 1983 when the scholarship started in the country.

From eight scholars granted of free masters degree education in world-class UK universities in 2014-2015, up to 30 potential Filipino scholars will be able to study on various fields in the UK for AY 2015-2016. Lynn Ayers Plata, the embassy's communications manager, said this has tripled compared to the number of Pinoy scholars sent last year.

The embassy said the government's major supplementary financial investment of P2.4 billion could generate additional 1,500 scholarships globally.

In an interview, Scholarships Officer Anna Carreon said that aside from the increased funding from the foreign government, the partnership with the private sector has also allowed the Chevening to expand in terms of the number of Filipinos who are potential to become scholars.

Its private sector partners include Bank of the Philippine Islands, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, Inc., First Pacific Leadership Academy and San Miguel Corporation.

Carreon also mentioned they are eyeing to have at least five scholars for 2015-2016 who can help and make a positive development in realizing the vision of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro. The UK has expressed support for Mindanao peace process.

Carreon said they are encouraging Pinoys from other regions who should have at least two years of work experience to apply for AY 2015-2016 scholarship until Nov. 15, 2014.

When asked how the embassy, after all, can benefit from granting free education, she stressed that these future leaders and influencers can become assets to the embassy.

"They can contribute to the prosperity of the country, better relations between governments and better business in the country which will then benefit UK companies (operating here)," she said. After studying, scholars need to go return to their countries to influence positive developments.

In a statement, British Ambassador Asif Ahmad pointed out the scholarship helps unlock potential in people who can make their countries better, urging those with intelligence and passion to make a difference in the Philippines to become scholars.  — (FREEMAN)