TWENTY Filipinos will pursue their graduate studies in Japan through a scholarship grant under the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The scholars, recognized as “Ambassadors of Goodwill,” are recipients of the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid.

“Remember that you are all part of something bigger than yourselves. So be patriotic. Be MAKABAYAN,” Sakamoto Takema, JICA Philippines Chief Representative, said during the send-off ceremony last week.

The program aims to support human resource development of the recipient countries.

It targets highly capable young government officials who are expected to engage in implementing social and economic development plans.

Through the program, fellows are expected to contribute to the enhanced bilateral relations between their countries and Japan.

To date, there have been 439 Filipino recipients of the JDS Project.

Joel Unciano, a Senior Economic Development Specialist of NEDA Regional Office 2, thanked the Japanese government for its continuous assistance to the country.

“The development initiatives implemented by Japan have impacted the lives of Filipinos across the country. We can rise above the storms because you are with us along the way,” the Batch 21 JDS Fellow said.