Scholarship grants for exchange visitor program announced

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, 14 March (PIA) -- The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Committee of the Philippines is now accepting applications for scholarship grants under its Enhancement Training Sponsorship Project (ETSP). The ETSP is a program funded by Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) participants who are undertaking alternative arrangements in lieu of the two-year home country residency requirement of the EVP. The project allots a maximum of US$1,500 per scholar, per course, with the funding being released at the beginning of each term. The ETSP is one of the efforts of the government to enhance the skills pool of the Philippines while allowing Filipino professionals to find better income overseas to support their families.
The scholarship fund used for the ETSP goes to qualified professionals who seek to pursue graduate and postgraduate studies in the fields included in the Skills List for the Philippines. The Skills List is a directory of skills that are in short supply of practitioners in the Philippines and, therefore, very much needed. An ETSP scholarship applicant must possess the following qualifications:
a. Must be a Filipino citizen;
b. Must have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree (for Masters Degree and Training Program) or Masters Degree (for PhD program applicant);
c. Must be of good moral character, as attested by the last school attended or present employer;
d. Must have satisfactory undergraduate grades particularly in subjects under his/her field of study; and
e. Must have a field of expertise or seek graduate education in a field that is included in the current Skills List of the Philippines.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), the Secretariat of the EVP Committee, is designated as the fund manager of the grants under the ETSP. At present, available slots are only for teachers seeking to enroll for a new program in General Science, Physical Science, Math and Special Education. We also have slots for Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Speech Pathology (Language and Hearing).
To apply, interested applicants may submit the following requirements:
a. Certified true copy of the Bachelor’s Degree Transcript of Records;
b. Photocopy of Proof of Income;
c. Photocopy of Authority to Enroll/Certificate of Registration (whichever is applicable);
d. Original copy of Certificate of Good Moral Character issued by the last school attended or present employer;
e. Photocopy of Course Prospectus; and
f. Original copy of updated curriculum vitae with passport-size photo.
Please note that the ETSP is only applicable for applicants who wish to pursue their studies in the Philippines and not overseas. We also do not encourage the scholars to apply for a work abroad after the completion of their studies.
Send all application documents to:
Secretary Imelda M. Nicolas
Commission on Filipinos Overseas
EVP Committee Secretariat
Citigold Center, 1345 Quirino Avenue
corner Osmeña Highway 1007, Manila
For clarification, please contact Ms. Kristine M. Domagas at telephone numbers (632) 561-8321 local 301/401 and 561-8327, facsimile number (632) 561-8332, or e-mail address, info@cfo.gov.ph.

(DOST/pia-palawan)