To implement the “New Southbound Policy” which aims to enhance cooperation between Taiwan and its neighboring countries, the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the Republic of China (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 9 students were awarded with the Taiwan ICDF scholarship.
On 22 July 2022, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) held the 2022 Scholarship Awards Ceremony for the 68 scholarship recipients. 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”. She will be studying at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University this coming September 2022.
MOE scholars John Michael Marquez and Kenneth Perez said that their reason for studying in Taiwan is because of its “robust economy, modern infrastructures, efficient transportation system, efficient COVID-19 response and good reputation of universities globally”, and its “safe environment, outstanding quality of education and friendly people”. They will both pursue master’s degree in Taiwan.
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. This year’s Filipino scholars are all excited to try authentic Taiwanese food, visit night markets and experience its rich culture.
TECO Philippines wishes all the scholars a pleasant stay in Taiwan and is determined to attract more Filipino students to study in Taiwan.
