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MANILA, Philippines—Fourteen Filipinos have been awarded the prestigious Australian Leadership Award (Ala) Scholarship to further their studies in 2010, the Australian embassy here said.
Chosen for their leadership potential, the 14 are expected to “influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in the Philippines and the region,” Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith said in a statement.
The Ala Scholarship recipients are: Paul Adolfo (Master of Public Policy, Australian National University), Ma. Gena Buenconsejo (Master of Community Planning and Development, La Trobe University), Maria Frencie Carreon (PhD in Arts, Peace, and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney), Juan Dayang Jr. (PhD Diplomatic Studies, Australian National University), Francis Ron De Guzman (Master of Climate Change, Australian National University), Wilham Hailaya (PhD Education, University of Adelaide).
Jayson Ibanez (PhD, Charles Darwin University), Jaime Manalo IV (Master of Communication, University of Queensland), Lorelei Peralta (Master of Marine Studies, University of Wollongong), Benjamin Pineda (Master of Governance and Public Policy, University of Queensland), Tomas Pedro Reginaldo (Master of Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Sydney), Lorna Santos (Master of Forensic Science, Bond University), Mary Rose Soria (Master of Applied Science in Geology, James Cook University), and Susan Valerio (PhD Business Administration, Charles Darwin University).
Wishing them well in their endeavors, the ambassador said the awards show Australia’s commitment to supporting development in the Philippines, and to promoting greater mutual understanding and cooperation in matters of shared critical concern.
He added that scholarships have been an integral part of Australia’s aid program to the Philippines for 50 years.
“Australia’s scholarship program reflects the fundamental principle underpinning our development partnership with the Philippines: Education has the power to transform lives. Education is the engine room of ideas. It revolutionizes opportunity, builds the fabric of societies, and promotes development and fosters the growth of durable institutions,” he said.
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Singapore last month, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd launched the Australia Awards, a new initiative which would bring together all Australian scholarship programs, including the Ala, to ensure these programs were consolidated, better branded, and delivered to support the long-term interests of Australia and its partners. Over time, the Australia Awards would build a new generation of leadership across Asia with strong links to Australia. Veronica Uy
