By Liza Agoot
Baguio City – The United Kingdom’s prestigious Chevening scholarship is offering up to 40 slots for Filipinos, aiming to cultivate exceptional leaders worldwide.
During a recent briefing in Baguio City, Iain Cox, the political counselor of the British Embassy in the Philippines, announced that the scholarship application process will run from August to November. It welcomes applicants from various sectors, including government, private industry, civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and journalists.
Cox emphasized the UK government’s keen interest in applicants working in fields such as agriculture, climate change, disaster resilience, infrastructure, urban planning, human rights, and good governance. However, priority is given to individuals demonstrating leadership potential in their respective fields and a clear vision for contributing to community development upon their return to the Philippines.
We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples across the Cordillera region,” Cox added.
While the scholarship program does not impose an age limit, preference is given to applicants at a career stage where they possess leadership potential and a defined vision for community and professional advancement. Cox highlighted the importance of candidates articulating how studying in the UK can facilitate their goals and aspirations.
To date, the Chevening program boasts a roster of over 700 Filipino alumni
Possible collaboration
Aside from Baguio City, Cox said he will also visit the Mountain Province for possible collaborations with local governments regarding tourism, climate-resilient infrastructures, and education links.
He said he had met with Baguio City officials but declined to give specifics of the meeting aside from the fact that they discussed the possibility of funding projects on water infrastructure, modernization of the sewerage system, transportation, and climate-related programs.
“A team will be visiting Baguio in the next few weeks for possible investments,” he said.
Cox said he will also visit Bontoc, Mountain Province to also look for collaborations.
“Cordillera is such a unique part of the Philippines and I am personally very interested to learn more about the history of the region and particularly about the fascinating culture and history of the Cordillera peoples. I think the Philippines is an extraordinary tourist destination and I am very lucky to experience many provinces across the country. I have been in Baguio and Ifugao and I have not been to Mountain Province so I can help promote to British people to come here too,” he added. (PNA)
