27 Filipinos receive Chevening scholarships to study in UK

Chevening is the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leader from over 160 countries and territories to pursue master’s degrees in their field of expertise at any UK university. (PNA PHOTO)

MANILA— The British government has awarded the prestigious Chevening scholarships to 27 Filipinos to study a one-year postgraduate course in the United Kingdom (UK), as it further strengthens education cooperation with the Philippines.

“In terms of 27 young Filipino scholars that we are sending in the UK, for me, that’s a real demonstration of the UK’s close relationship with the Philippines,” Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Daniel Pruce said in an interview.

He noted this is among the highest number of scholars the UK government has awarded.

“Home to some of the world’s best universities, the UK’s higher education sector promotes the exchange of information and ideas, as well as the building of networks,” he said.

Pruce also hoped that the expertise and experience these scholars will gain while studying in the UK will help them contribute to the development of the Philippines.

“Chevening (scholarship) has a great history. It has done a lot to foster understanding and connections and friendship between our countries,” he added.

Chevening is the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leader from over 160 countries and territories to pursue master’s degrees in their field of expertise at any UK university.

Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and local partner organisations Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Unilever Philippines, Megaworld Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines and HSBC, the program provides leaders a unique opportunity to advance academically, develop professionally, build networks, and explore the UK and its culture through fully-funded scholarships.

This is the most diverse group of Chevening scholars from the Philippines.  They will be pursuing a wide variety of fields ranging through Health Policy, Sustainability and Environmental Policy, Security and Peace studies, Islamic Finance, Finance, Data Analytics, Material Engineering, Transport, Gender studies, law, Film and Media Arts.

The Chevening scholars are: Stephanie Tan, Micheline Rama, Bai Baraguir, Christian Yap, Cristina Villaraza, Danilo Vidad, Kristal Gazmen, Mary Baylosis, Richard Bolisay, Ben Kalaw, Ira Zamudio, Julius Cesar Alejandre, Antoinette Ramos, Loraine Gallevo, Renee Karunungan, Carmela Maranan, Twyla Rubin, Chiara Zambrano, Jam Usman, Miguel Paala, Camille Aromas, Carla Nochesada, Gerry Alcantara, Zayra Abraham, Geisha Sanchez, Francis Tiopanco and Carolyn Bonquin.