To implement the “New Southbound Policy” which aims to enhance cooperation between Taiwan and its neighboring countries, the Ministry of Education of Taiwan and the International Development and Cooperation Fund (Taiwan ICDF) have once again selected outstanding Filipino students as scholarship recipients to study in Taiwan.
This year, 18 students were awarded with the MOE scholarship, 41 students will study Mandarin through the Huayu (Mandarin) Enrichment Scholarship and nine students were awarded with the Taiwan ICDF scholarship.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) held the 2022 Scholarship Awards Ceremony for the 68 scholarship recipients on July 22.
During the program, Representative Michael Peiyung Hsu expressed his warmest congratulations to the scholars and their families for their achievements.
Some of the scholars shared their motivations for choosing Taiwan as their study destination.
ICDF scholar Ms. Jardene Marie de Leon said: “A community that is peaceful and can be a leader in advancing technology yet still keep hold of culture and tradition — this is one of the reasons why I chose Taiwan. It is the epitome of quality health system and outstanding education programs worth emulating.” De Leon will be studying at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in September.
MOE scholars John Michael Marquez and Kenneth Perez said they wanted to study in Taiwan because of its “robust economy, modern infrastructures, efficient transportation system, efficient COVID-19 response and good reputation of universities globally.”
The two scholars, who both pursue a master’s degree in Taiwan, noted its “safe environment, outstanding quality of education and friendly people.”
On the other hand, Sabrina Ponce and Jianne Uy have both visited Taiwan before. This year, they will be coming back to Taiwan as Huayu scholars and learn Mandarin for three months.