PH, Japan ink P150-M scholarship program
Japan has pledged a new round of scholarship grants amounting to approximately P150 million to enhance the skills of Filipino government employees.
On Monday, the Japanese Embassy in Manila said Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo had signed and exchanged notes at the Department of Foreign Affairs launching the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).
This initiative, backed by a grant of 389 million Japanese yen (roughly P150 million), will fund the master’s degree education of 20 Filipino public servants.
Based on previous criteria, applicants between 22 and 39 years old are eligible for the grants.
The scholarships are for the 2026–2027 academic year at top universities in Japan.
“The JDS is a component of Japan’s continued support for the human resource development initiatives of the Philippines,” the embassy said, adding that the project aims to elevate the expertise of Filipino professionals, enabling them to contribute more significantly to national development.
Since its inception in 2002, Japan has supported 459 JDS fellows from the Philippines.
According to the Japan International Cooperation Agency website, fellows are expected to play an active role in policy formulation and the implementation of social and economic development strategies upon their return to the Philippines.
“Through the JDS program, young leaders are also able to understand Japanese society, learn about common interests, and work towards common goals,” the website noted.
Social science fields
The program also seeks to foster stronger international relations by promoting academic exchanges and immersion across various fields.
The JDS program primarily focuses on social science fields, such as public administration, public policy analysis, economics and law.
These areas are selected by each country’s steering committee based on their relevance to national development priorities and challenges.
In line with Japan’s Country Assistance Policies, priority development sectors and research areas are identified through survey results, and four-year plans are developed for each participating country, outlining the relevant research fields and universities involved.
