Sixty-six scholars, with 42 coming from Mindanao, were awarded the Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) through the long-term training program of the Philippines-Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF). Four of these are recipients of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)-Carnegie Mellon University Scholarship.

The scholars will pursue post-graduate studies in the areas of human resource management, financial management, public administration, public policy, peace and conflict studies, and educational leadership.

“Human resource development is critical in helping Philippines’ achieve its development goals,” Titon Mitra, AusAID Minister Counsellor said during the two-day pre-departure briefing held here recently.

Noting the importance of investing in human resource development, he said that the scholars should be able to use the trainings to the development of their individual organizations, communities and the country in general.

The pre-departure briefing was conducted recently here to help scholars prepare for their training programs and orient them with living and studying in Australia, as well as understanding the conditions and requirements of the scholarships.

For 2008, the first batch of 38 scholars left for Australia last January and the second batch of 42 scholars left last June, with 24 coming from Mindanao.

About 80 Filipinos are awarded Australian Development Scholarships annually.

The PAHRDF is a P2.3-billion, five-year program of the AusAID which aims to assist partner national and local government agencies, academic institutions and private organizations to address key organizational needs through short-term and long-term human resource development programs.

The Philippines currently ranks fourth among the major recipients of Australia's scholarship program in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia is expected to contribute about P4.4 billion in aid for 2008-2009. (PNA)