JICA opens scholarship to Filipinos to study in Japan

September 25, 2017

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced a call for applicants to one of the longest-running international scholarship programs offered by the Japanese government to Filipino professionals who want to study in Japan, its statement on Monday said.

The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid or JDS is open for Filipinos engaged in formulating and implementing socio-economic development plans and become future leaders in their respective fields.

“"The JDS is strongly committed to helping young Filipinos and scholars thrive in their professions and contribute to nation building," said JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito. “By helping build the capacity of Filipino professionals, JICA aims to sustain the economic growth trajectory of the Philippines in the long-term.”

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.

“The Japanese scholarship is not just about career advancement. It’s also about developing the values we need to contribute to Philippine development,” said Francis de los Reyes, head of the Project Management Office of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). De los Reyes obtained master’s in economics from the International University of Japan.

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

To date, 319 Filipinos have received JDS scholarships.

Japan, through JICA, has actively supported capacity building of Filipinos in various fields including agriculture, human resources, policy development, health, public works, manufacturing, tourism, social welfare, and energy among others.

JICA also offers training for young leaders, academic researchers, as well as participants from other developing countries to learn the development experiences of partner countries like the Philippines. DMS