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By Asia Education Review team , Monday, 09 December 2024 02:26:53 PM

Philippines-Australia Scholarship Program Boosts Agricultural Research

  • Twelve Filipinos have been awarded graduate scholarships to study at leading Australian universities through a partnership between ACIAR and the Philippines Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

    The PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Program aims to further strengthen agricultural research management and leadership in the Philippines through 2 scholarship platforms – the John Allwright Fellowship – Philippines (JAF-Philippines) and the International Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (iGREAT) Program.

    As part of the Australia Awards, 5 researchers have been awarded the JAF Philippines scholarship, a jointly-funded program by ACIAR and the Philippines DOST – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-​PCAARRD) and DOST – Science Education Institute (DOST-​SEI).

    The scholars’ fields of study include agriculture (agribusiness management, horticulture, soil science), marine science, and machine learning in epidemiology research for livestock.

    JAFs are awarded to researchers and scientists from partner countries engaged in ACIAR-supported collaborative research projects to undertake postgraduate studies at Australian universities.

    JAF-Philippines scholar Mr Mar Cruz from the University of the Philippines Los Baños said the program has not only provided him with financial support, but also instilled confidence in his potential to make positive impact through research for development.

    ‘This scholarship symbolises my desire and commitment to creating and effecting positive change in the Philippine agriculture sector,’ said Mr Cruz.

    ‘While studying, I look forward to learning new skills and tools, especially in systems thinking and modelling, and expanding my professional network. Upon completing my studies in Australia, I hope to work on research projects that will allow me to apply these skills and tools to better understand and address various social issues in agriculture.’

    JAF-Philippines scholars will receive full academic and living allowance support in addition to scholarship enrichments such as participation in an Executive Leadership development program. They will also have access to research grant, publication incentives while undertaking and after completion of the PhD program and return to the Philippines.

    ‘JAF Philippines is an opportunity to expand my learning experiences and be engaged with a community of practice in the field of coral restoration at a global level. This scholarship is not just for me but for my home institution as well’, said Ms Christine Mae Edullantes from Davao Del Norte State College, who will be taking up her PhD at Southern Cross University.

    Seven more graduate students will be studying in Australian universities under a DOST-administered scholarship. Similar to JAF-Philippines, these PhilDOST-ACIAR scholars are linked with ACIAR and DOST-PCAARRD collaborative research projects during the course of their studies and have access to the ACIAR Executive Leadership Development Program for researchers in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sector. All 12 scholars are also eligible to receive additional research funds through the iGREAT Program.

    DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr Reynaldo Ebora said that the PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship is another milestone in the enduring partnership between Australia and the Philippines.

    ‘This collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to sharpen research management and leadership skills, while simultaneously enhancing scientific knowledge and paving the way for more climate-resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in the Philippines,’ said Dr Ebora.

    ‘The close collaboration between ACIAR and DOST through this scholarship program will benefit and address the development priorities for agriculture, aquatic and natural resources.’

    ACIAR Director, Capacity Development, Ms Kate Turner-Mann said that strengthening the knowledge and skills of agricultural researchers is an integral part of ACIAR’s research-for-development mission.

    ‘In addition to developing individual capabilities and people-to-people links, ACIAR fellowships enhance research capacity in ACIAR partner institutions, and strengthen their leadership in advancing sustainable development outcomes,’ said Ms Turner-Mann.

    ‘We are pleased to see that our partnership with the Philippines continues to deepen and expand including through the design and delivery of innovative learning experiences that are tailored to the needs of the individual fellows and their institutions.

    ‘Through these scholarships, we also have the opportunity for our fellows to immediately apply their learning through their involvement with ACIAR and DOST-PCAARRD research projects.’

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