The first cohort of the John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) Philippines under the PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Program will soon undertake their PhD studies in Australia in early 2024.
The five scholars were joined by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of DOST during the “Australia Award Philippines’ Pre-Departure Briefing and REAP Finalization Workshop” for their scholars on November 21-23, 2023 at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Ave, Quezon City.
The program provided financial support and assistantships to graduate students pursuing PhD abroad to enhance their expertise in agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources. The goal is to empower the researchers to focus on their graduate studies and complete quality outputs on schedule.
JAF-Ph scholars will head to Australia in early 2024 to pursue doctorates at leading Australian universities namely, University of Queensland and Southern Cross University.
| Name | Sending Institution | University |
Mar B. Cruz | University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) | University of Queensland |
Joana Rose M. Vergara | UPLB | |
Kim Dianne B. Ligue | University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao | |
Liezel B. Secretaria | UP Mindanao | |
Christine Mae A. Edullantes | Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) | Southern Cross University |
Over the three-day predeparture workshop, several informative sessions equipped the scholars with valuable insights to guide their impending academic journeys abroad. Topics covered included:
- Australian student visa conditions and stipulations, presented by Embassy Representative Amanda Fleming;
- Rekindling the Filipino Spirit;
- First-hand experiences and advice shared by Australia Awards alumni;
- Lectures on cultivating resilience and adapting to foreign cultures; and
- Overview of Australia's higher education and political landscape.
In her opening remarks, Her Excellency HK Yu PSM, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, congratulated the participants and emphasized the spirit of partnership between the two countries.
The event concluded with scholars finalizing comprehensive re-entry plans and mapping out of their contributions to Philippine society upon completing their overseas studies. By articulating concrete action points, they aspire to apply their expanded expertise toward benefiting their communities back home.