Japan opens scholarship for Filipino professionals

The Japanese government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is accepting applications for its scholarship program, as it supports capacity building of Filipinos. (Photo by Ruth Hartnup/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

MANILA — The Japanese government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is accepting applications for its scholarship program, as it supports capacity building of Filipinos.

“By helping build the capacity of Filipino professionals, JICA aims to sustain the economic growth trajectory of the Philippines in the long-term,” said JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito.

Ito noted the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid, or JDS, is “strongly committed to helping young Filipinos and scholars thrive in their professions and contribute to nation building.”

Historically, Japan’s own economic resurgence depended on education and human resource development, among other factors.

Through capacity building programs in the Philippines such as JDS, Filipino scholars learn Japan’s accumulated knowledge and expertise in various fields and apply this knowledge upon their return to the Philippines.

JDS, one of JICA’s longest-running international scholarship programs, is open for Filipinos engaged in formulating and implementing socio-economic development plans and become future leaders in their respective fields.

The JDS is open to Filipinos, between 22 and 39 years old as of April 1, 2018, and is interested to pursue a master’s degree in Japan to support Philippine development may apply until November 14, 2017.

To date, 319 Filipinos have received JDS scholarships.