Japan is allotting 313 million Japanese Yen (P127 million) to allow Filipino government employees to earn a Master's degree at premier Japanese universities starting next academic year.
This came after Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo signed the exchange of notes for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS). They both welcomed the move.
Kazuhiko said the development is a "great news for young Filipino Civil Servants." He said he is "excited for the upcoming batch as they take this journey towards leadership and growth in Japan."
"This initiative will empower young leaders from Philippine government agencies to pursue grad[uate] studies in Japan as JDS Fellows," Manalo, on the other hand, said.
The program is part of Japan's assistance to the human resource development initiatives of its recipient countries, which include the Philippines.
According to its embassy in Manila, the initiative aims to enhance the expertise of the JDS Fellows in their respective fields, contributing to their countries' development.
A total of 20 individuals will benefit from this year's program.
Since 2002, Japan has supported a total of 439 JDS Fellows from the Philippines.
Applications to the JDS Program is yet to open. Aspiring scholars are encouraged visit the JDS Philippines webpage for future announcements and more information. [https://jds-scholarship.org/country/philippines/index.html](https://jds-scholarship.org/country/philippines/index.html)