NEDA CALLS ON NEW BATCH OF SCHOLARS TO JAPAN TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS
MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) called on the new batch of Japan Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Project scholars to contribute to social and economic development plans. The batch comprises 20 fellows from 15 government offices and local government units who were accepted to various fields of study under the JDS two-year Masters Degree program in Japan.
“I look forward to the future, when these scholars will successfully complete their degrees, and will actively engage in formulating and implementing social and economic development plans for our country.” NEDA Deputy Director-General Rolando G. Tungpalan said during the send-off celebration for the fellows.
The 10th batch of JDS scholars are the following: Patricia Anne L. Rivera (NSCB); Ada A. Colico (DSWD); June Abigael Z. Mariano (office of the Ombudsman); Ann Lorraine V. Badillos (PIA); Jeramie Ardi Simbre-Alonsabe (DBM); Eric Anthony A. Dumpilo (Office of the Ombudsman); Mayra M. Tulauan (PNP); Herminigildo L. Daytoc (DOLE); Theodore M. Velasco (LGU-Municipal Legislative Body, Sangguniang Bayan); Maria Dominique M. Rustia (CITEM); Edward Donald F. Eloja (NSCB); Sheila C. Edrozo (COA); Mark Anthony A. Catiil (Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental); Maricel A. Silorio (COA); Mark C. Pascasio (NSCB); Sheryl D. Fortunato (OP-PMS); Francis M. Ramirez (DBM); Marianne Faith Martinico-Perez (PCSD-DENR); Leoncio T. Tabuzo, Jr. (DPWH); and Sherry Ivy M. Valenzuela (MMDA).
The scholars will be enrolling in their respective chosen fields of specialization under the following priority areas: Good Governance, Agriculture and Rural Development/SME for Improvement of Livelihood, Regional Development Administration in Mindanao, Financial Reform and Investment Promotion Policy, and Development of Basis for Economic Growth.
The NEDA official, who also co-chairs the Operating Committee (OC) of the JDS Project, lauded the top 20 scholars of the 10th batch for being accepted to the program.
“I am glad to be with you, whom I consider part of our country’s intellectual capital. The lessons that you will imbibe and nurture in your respective workplaces will foster our country’s overall development for a long time,” Tungpalan said.
He reported that to date, a total 199 fellows have been sent to Japan under JDS. Out of this total number of fellows, 163 have already earned Master’s degrees under the JDS project. “I was impressed with the quality of their respective research papers.” Tungpalan said.
The JDS project is managed by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), a non-profit organization established to assist in implementing Japan’s international cooperation activities. The JDS-OC, which is the decision making committee that provides overall policy guidelines on the project implementation, comprises the National Economic and Development Authority, the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippine Office. Minister Akio Isomata of the Embassy of Japan co-chairs the JDS-OC, while Mr. Shinichi Masuda, JICA-Philippines Senior Representative serves as its Secretariat.
MR No. 2012-056
12 August 2012
