December 11, 2024

 

12 Filipinos receive scholarships for agricultural research in Australia

12 Filipino scholars have been awarded graduate scholarships to pursue agricultural research at leading Australian universities through a partnership between the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Philippines Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

 

The PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Programme aims to enhance agricultural research management and leadership in the Philippines. It offers two scholarship platforms: the John Allwright Fellowship – Philippines (JAF-Philippines) and the International Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (iGREAT) Programme.

 

As part of the Australia Awards initiative, five researchers have been selected for the JAF-Philippines scholarship. This programme is jointly funded by ACIAR and the DOST's Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and Science Education Institute (SEI).

 

The fields of study covered by the scholars include agribusiness management, horticulture, soil science, marine science, and machine learning applications in livestock epidemiology. JAF scholarships are awarded to researchers and scientists engaged in ACIAR-supported collaborative research projects, allowing them to undertake postgraduate studies at Australian universities.

 

One of the recipients, Mar Cruz from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, expressed gratitude for the programme's support and its role in fostering his potential to make a positive impact on Philippine agriculture.

 

"This scholarship symbolises my desire and commitment to creating and effecting positive change in the Philippine agriculture sector," said Cruz. "While studying, I look forward to learning new skills and tools, expanding my professional network, and applying these skills to address social issues in agriculture."

 

JAF-Philippines scholars will receive comprehensive academic and living allowances, along with opportunities for leadership development through an executive programme. They will also have access to research grants and publication incentives during their studies and after completing their PhDs upon returning to the Philippines.

 

Christine Mae Edullantes from Davao Del Norte State College, another recipient, will pursue a PhD at Southern Cross University, focusing on coral restoration. She highlighted the broader benefits of the scholarship for both herself and her home institution.

 

"This scholarship is not just for me but for my home institution as well," Edullantes said. "It allows me to be engaged in a global community of practice in the field of coral restoration."

 

In addition to the JAF-Philippines scholars, seven more graduate students will study at Australian universities under a DOST-administered scholarship. These scholars, like their counterparts, are connected to ACIAR and DOST-PCAARRD collaborative research projects and benefit from the ACIAR Executive Leadership Development Programme. All 12 scholars are also eligible for additional research funding through the iGREAT Programme.

 

DOST-PCAARRD executive director Dr Reynaldo Ebora emphasised the programme's significance in strengthening the partnership between Australia and the Philippines.

 

"This collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to sharpen research management and leadership skills while enhancing scientific knowledge and advancing climate-resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in the Philippines," Dr Ebora said.

 

ACIAR director of capacity development Kate Turner-Mann highlighted the broader impacts of the scholarships.

 

"These fellowships enhance research capacity in ACIAR partner institutions and strengthen leadership in advancing sustainable development outcomes," Turner-Mann said. "We are pleased to see our partnership with the Philippines deepen and expand, offering tailored learning experiences to meet the needs of individual fellows and their institutions."

 

Through these scholarships, scholars can immediately apply their knowledge in collaborative projects with ACIAR and DOST-PCAARRD, further contributing to agricultural development in the Philippines.

 

-      The National Tribune