The government of Japan is augmenting its support for the skills development of Filipino public servants through an agreement with the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) for a grant worth 329 million yen or about P146 million.
The fund, coursed through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), is for the Project for Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS), which is part of Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines.
JDS is aimed at helping develop young leaders in government and boost efforts in socioeconomic development.
In 2020, the World Bank’s Human Capital Index assessed the Philippines at 0.52 in a scale of zero (worst) to one (best).
The Neda had noted that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need to enrich human capital and help more Filipinos realize their full potential, especially those who aspire to become leaders in development.
The JDS grant provides scholarships to Filipino government officials and gives them the opportunity to learn from the Japanese experience and expertise in leading universities in Japan.
Since it started in 2002, the JDS program has sent 399 Filipinos to universities such as University of Tokyo, International University of Japan, Hokkaido University, Hiroshima University and Hitotsubashi University.
Ambassadors of goodwill
“JDS scholars learn from Japan’s best universities and institutions and eventually become ambassadors of goodwill between our nations,” said Eigo Azukizawa, chief representative of Jica in the Philippines.
“With COVID-19 imposing challenges in human capital development, the JDS is an opportunity for both our countries to build on our partnership and collectively develop a talent pool of future leaders who can contribute to inclusive growth and development,” Azukizawa said.
According to Jica, many Filipino JDS scholars served as key-decision makers in government agencies such as the Neda, the Department of Interior and Local Government and Development Bank of the Philippines.
Jica assists through technical cooperation, ODA loans, investments and grants as well as disaster relief programs.