The Japanese government has earmarked PHP121 million to finance postgraduate scholarships of young Filipino civil servants as part of its ongoing support to Philippine development priorities.

In a ceremony at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya signed the exchange of notes for the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) covering academic year 2025-2026.

The JDS will allow 20 young Philippine government officials to pursue their graduate studies at leading universities in Japan.

“Upon their return, they are hoped to become future leaders helping lead social and economic development policies for the Philippines, and serve as a bridge to Japan and other nations,” Kazuya said.

“We are optimistic that this signing will sustain and further strengthen the bilateral relations between our two countries,” he added.

The JDS is a component of Japan’s support for the human resource development initiatives of the Philippines, aiming to enhance the expertise of the JDS Fellows in their respective fields, thereby contributing to the development of their country.

Since 2002, Japan has already supported 439 JDS Fellows from the Philippines. (PNA)