News and Updates
Australia Alumni community in Indo-Pacific Region gathers at a virtual conference to discuss inclusive recovery from COVID-19
Over 400 alumni from 18 countries across the Indo-Pacific Region recently gathered virtually at the 2021 Regional Gender Equality Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Leadership Summit. The Summit provided an opportunity for 3 half-days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among the alumni, particularly in addressing key GEDSI issues that were highlighted by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the theme Breaking Barriers: Working Together Towards Inclusive Recovery, the Summit focused on a socially inclusive recovery from COVID-19.
Australia Alumni Community in the Philippines joins the world in celebrating equality
The Australia Global Alumni community in the Philippines - composed of Australia-educated Filipinos and alumni of Australian Government programs in the country - recently celebrated Philippine National Women’s Month with back-to-back webinars on gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI). Dubbed Moving Forward to #BreakTheBias, the events, which were held in collaboration with the Australia Alumni Communities Philippines GEDSI Community of Practice, aimed to raise awareness against bias and celebrate equality.
Celebrating the achievements and contributions of Australia-educated Filipinos
Manila, Philippines - The Australian Embassy in the Philippines recognised the achievements of six outstanding Australia-educated Filipinos during the 2022 Australia Alumni Excellence Awards.
Australia honours achievements and contributions of Australia Awards scholars in the Philippines
Manila, Philippines - Over 200 Filipino alumni of the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships gathered for a special recognition ceremony led by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J Robinson AO, key Philippine government officials, and representatives from Australian universities.
Australia Global Alumni celebrate friendship, regeneration, and wellness at the Philippines-Australia Friendship Day in Iloilo City
Over 100 Australia-educated Filipinos gathered in Iloilo City to reconnect and discuss new ways of caring for the people and planet at the Australia Alumni Network Summit 2023 – the first face-to-face summit in three years. Led by Australia Alumni Communities Philippines (AACPh), the summit, themed “Reconnect and Regenerate: Healing Our Future Together,” featured knowledge-exchange sessions on regenerative principles and practices. The summit is an annual alumni-led event of Australia Global Alumni in the Philippines, which provides a platform for Australia-educated Filipinos to discuss creative solutions and innovations with fellow alumni as well as experts from Australia and the Philippines.
Australia Alumni Excellence Awards now open for nominations
Nominations for the 2023 Australia Alumni Excellence Awards are now open and are accepted at australiaawardsphilippines.org until 15 August 2023. The awards recognise and celebrate Australia-educated Filipinos who have made significant achievements in their respective professions, industries, or communities.
Call for Proposals: Application for the 2021 Australian Alumni COVID-19 Response Grants Scheme is now open
Do you have an idea that can change the lives of our kababayans during the COVID-19 crisis? Apply for the 2021 Australian Alumni COVID-19 Response Grants Scheme and get the chance to receive funding to turn your idea into reality.
The 2021 Australian Alumni Covid-19 Response Grants Scheme is designed to help respond to the emerging challenges brought about by the COVID-19 crisis. It allows alumni to collaborate with peers or other individuals and organisations to undertake research and development projects that build resilience and recovery efforts in communities impacted by the pandemic.
Applications are open until 12 November 2021. Read here to know more about the program.
Australia Global Alumni in the Philippines hold webinar on Emotional Intelligence
Australia Global Alumni in the Philippines kicked off its Knowledge Sharing Series for 2021 with a webinar on Emotional Intelligence.
Australia-supported Filipinos inspire and empower each other to rise above COVID-19 challenges
Over 150 Australia-supported Filipinos recently gathered virtually to discuss how they can use innovation and their influence to help the Philippines recover from the challenges of COVID-19. With the theme Innovators and Influencers: Making an Impact to Recovery, the 2020 Alumni Network Summit aimed to prepare the mindset of the alumni community for 2021 and inspire them to collaborate with peers in their respective industries to help the country map out its path to healing.
Australian Embassy awards grants for research and development projects to help the Philippines respond to COVID-19 crisis
The Australian Embassy recently awarded 16 recipients of the 2020 Australian Alumni COVID-19 Response Grants Scheme. The program provides Australia-educated Filipinos with the opportunity to help respond to the emerging needs and challenges brought by the COVID-19 crisis. Seven (7) recipients will implement development projects to build resilience and support recovery efforts in communities impacted by the pandemic, and nine (9) will conduct research to contribute to the limited body of knowledge and literature on COVID-19.
Grants awarded to Australia Global Alumni to undertake projects on agriculture, education, disability, and social inclusion
Eight research and development projects led by Australia Global Alumni from across the Philippines will be making a difference in the lives of Filipinos particularly in agriculture, education, disability, and social inclusion. Under the Australia Alumni Grants Scheme (AGS), Australia-educated Filipinos and recipients of training supported by the Australian Government can submit proposals for grant funding for projects that apply their Australian experiences, knowledge, and skills in addressing development issues. Grantees will receive up to Php 500,000 in funds to deliver their projects and research.
Applications for grants are accepted year-round.
Australia honours the achievements and contributions of outstanding Australia-educated Filipinos
The Australian Embassy in the Philippines recognised the exceptional achievements of outstanding Australia-educated Filipinos at the annual Australia Alumni Excellence Awards.
“Our Australia Global Alumni community is an important part of the Australia-Philippines Strategic Partnership. This year’s Australia Alumni Excellence Awardees are impressive Filipinos who have been using their Australian education, expertise, experience, and networks to contribute enormously to the Philippines,” said Australian Chargé d'Affaires Dr. Moya Collett.
Filipino scholars back to make a difference
After completing their postgraduate studies at Australia’s top universities, Australia Awards scholars are back to make a difference in the Philippines. Deputy Ambassador Dr Moya Collett officially welcomed the returning scholars to the Philippines and to the Australia Alumni community.
We are excited to hear about their inspiring stories and plans to create a positive impact in their communities and organisations.
Australia Global Alumni discuss ways to support indigenous communities
Davao City, Philippines - Over 40 Filipino alumni, stakeholders, including representatives of eight indigenous communities in Mindanao, and partners from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Eagle Foundation, recently gathered in Davao City to discuss and learn ways to support indigenous peoples (IP) communities across the Philippines. The knowledge-sharing session dubbed, Development amidst Diversity: Supporting Indigenous Communities through the Alumni Grants Scheme, were led by alumni speakers who have been making a difference in various indigenous communities through the support of the Australia Alumni Grants Scheme (AGS).
Two Australia-educated Filipinos honoured with prestigious Global Australian Awards
Manila, Philippines - For the first time in over a decade, Filipinos have been awarded the prestigious Global Australian Awards by Advance, the Global Australian Network.
Australia Global Alumni Dr Armand Mijares and Professor Abelardo Apollo David Jr were finalists at the 2023 Global Australian Awards, which recognised the achievements of inspiring global Australians - including international alumni of Australian universities - who are innovating in their field and shaping the world.
Australian Government grants prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships to over 50 Filipinos
Manila, Philippines - A new batch of high-achieving Filipinos will be starting their postgraduate studies in Australia by January 2024 under Australia Awards.
The contingent includes 54 scholars who will be undertaking master's programs in Australia's world-class universities and five individuals who will be pursuing doctoral degrees as fellows of the John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) Philippines, a pilot graduate fellowship program jointly funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the Department of Science and Technology, and administered by Australia Awards.
Philippines and Australia strengthen disability inclusion through strategic partnerships
Philippine policy makers recently completed a study visit to Australia, to discuss best practices in disability inclusion policies and programs.
It comes at a pivotal time for the Philippines, which is working towards enacting the disability support allowance bill - a priority legislative agenda in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.
The study visit hosted by the Australian Government is a key example of Australia's strengthened focus on inclusive and locally led, strategic partnerships. The visit included a 12-person delegation from six government agencies, who are all instrumental in achieving the Philippines’ goal of creating a more inclusive society.
32 Filipinos awarded with prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships
Thirty-two Filipino scholars have been awarded the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships to pursue master’s programs in Australia starting June 2023. During their pre-departure briefing, the new batch of Filipino scholars had the opportunity to connect with their mentors as well as officials from the Australian Embassy in the Philippines and Australia Awards alumni. Areas of study that will be pursued by this batch of scholars include: infrastructure and smart cities, trade and economics, humanitarian and disaster risk management, and natural resources management.
40 Filipino government media and communication practitioners completed short course on Emergency Broadcasting
Forty participants from Philippine government media and communication agencies recently completed the Australia Awards Short Course on Emergency Broadcasting. The training program was delivered by ABC Australia to help government media prepare for emergency coverage so that Filipinos will get relevant information before, during and after a disaster. Participants included representatives from the Philippines Information Agency, Philippines TV (PTV), Philippines Broadcasting Service (PBS), Philippines News Agency, the Office of the Press Secretary, the Bureau of Communication Services, Intercontinental Broadcast Corporation, the Presidential Broadcast staff and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Australia recognises contributions of Bangsamoro scholars
Davao City, Philippines -- Thirty-two scholars of the Australian Government’s In-Country Scholarship Program (ICSP) were recently honoured for completing their postgraduate studies under the program and for implementing their respective re-entry action plans (REAPs). Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu PSM and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Asnin Pendatun led the recognition of ICSP scholars.
Australia Awards Scholarships 2024 intake now open for applications
Manila, Philippines – Australia Awards Scholarships, the prestigious postgraduate scholarship program of the Australian Government, are now open for applications for the 2024 intake.
Australia Alumni Community in the Philippines promotes sustainability
The Australia Global Alumni community in the Philippines recently gathered to discuss sustainable solutions in communities and businesses. People and Planet: Creating a Sustainable Future Together, a knowledge sharing event organised in Davao City last December 2022, was aimed at raising awareness about on our shared responsibility to take care of our world.
Daghang salamat to our alumni speakers, moderators, and participants who joined the event!
A new batch of Filipino scholars off to Australia
Manila, Philippines – Thirty-four Filipino scholars have been awarded prestigious Australian Government scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia starting January 2023. Thirty scholars will pursue master’s programs under the Australia Awards Scholarships, while four will pursue doctoral degrees as John Allwright Fellows under the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
New batch of Filipino scholars set to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia
Another batch of 25 Filipinos are set to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia by June 2022 as Australia Awards scholars. Filipino scholars will pursue programs aligned to priority areas such as public health and social protection, trade and economics, digital economy and cyber security, infrastructure and smart cities, and peace and development.
At the conclusion of their studies, the Australia Awards scholars will join the dynamic Australia Global Alumni community in the Philippines.
Returning Filipino scholars set to make a difference in the Philippines
Fresh from finishing their postgraduate studies in Australia’s top universities, the latest batch of Filipino scholars recently discussed opportunities to give back to the Philippines and make a difference in their organisations and communities. The Re-integration and Re-Entry Action Plan (REAP) Finalisation Workshop provided a platform for the returning scholars to discuss and finalise their REAPs and discuss reintegration concerns in the Philippines.
Australia Awards Supports Training of Trainers Program on Business Process Management
The Deputy Head of Mission of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, Mr. Richard Sisson, and Atty. Janet Abuel, Undersecretary of Budget and Management, recently opened the Australia Awards Short Course on the Training of Trainers for Process Review and Re-engineering of Government Processes. The course brought together thirty public officials from key Philippine Government agencies, including the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Finance, the Commission on Audit, the Anti-Red Tape Act, and two state universities (Bicol University and Western Visayas State University).
Budget agencies get a boost from Australia Awards Process Review and Re-engineering short course
Twenty-seven public financial management practitioners recently completed the Australia Awards Short Course on Process Review and Re-engineering for Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS). The short course, which was delivered virtually by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), sought to address the current challenges in the implementation of budget management and treasury system in the Philippines.
Australian Embassy Welcomes Balikbayan Scholars
Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO, together with Embassy officials, recently welcomed the returning scholars to the Australia Global Alumni community in the Philippines. The scholars shared their amazing experiences in Australia, their life during the pandemic, and their plans to help create a positive impact in their communities and organisations using their Australian education and experience.
Twenty-five Filipino development leaders set to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia
Twenty-five Filipinos are set to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia’s premier universities through Australia Awards scholarships. They will pursue programs aligned to priority areas, which include public health and social protection, trade and economics, digital economy and cyber security, infrastructure and smart cities, peace and development, education, governance and public policy, natural resource management, and humanitarian and disaster risk management.
Upon their return to the Philippines, the Australia Awards scholars will be a part of a dynamic community of Australian-educated Filipinos through Australia's Global Alumni network.
Australia Awards short course promotes Gender, Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion in Philippines Civil Service
The Australian Government, through the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program – Philippines (AAAEP-P), in collaboration with The University of Queensland (UQ), is delivering a short course on Gender, Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Mainstreaming to key Philippine civil service agencies from June 2020 to March 2021.
Returning Filipino scholars discuss opportunities to make a difference as PHL recovers from COVID-19
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J Robinson AO recently welcomed 17 Filipino recipients of the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships. The latest batch of balikbayan scholars are set to make a difference in the Philippines by applying the knowledge and skills they gained in Australia through their re-entry action plans (REAPs).
Australia supports the professional development of local scholars pursuing development work in the Bangsamoro region
Forty alumni of the In-Country Local Scholarship Program (ICSP) gathered virtually for a discussion on leadership, grit and resiliency dubbed as "Leading with Grisiliency." The session is part of the professional development support of the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program to its alumni. The webinar was held to help enhance the abilities of alumni in navigating day-to-day challenges, especially during the pandemic.
Digital Transformation of Philippine Government Agencies supported by the Australian Government through Australia Awards
For the first time in two years, the Australian Government through the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program Philippines (AAAEP-P), delivered short courses for its partner Philippine agencies in-person. In collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University and Asia Pacific College, AAAEP-P recently conducted two short courses on digital transformation to help its partner Philippine government agencies address current needs and challenges as the Philippines shifts towards a more digital approach in public service.
Australia opens applications for prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships
Filipino development leaders seeking to pursue a master’s degree in Australia can now apply for the 2022 intake of Australia Awards Scholarships – Australian Government’s prestigious postgraduate scholarship program for the next generation of global leaders for development.
Australia Awards short courses culminate with virtual conference on data driven leadership
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson AO and Secretary Karl Chua of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently led the virtual conference on Data Driven Leadership in the Digital Era. The virtual event marked the conclusion of the Australia Awards Short Courses on Business Intelligence and Data Analysis (batch 3) and Policy Research and Development (batch 2). Carnegie Mellon University in Australia (CMU-Australia) delivered both courses online to over 60 officials from 15 partner government agencies in the Philippines.
Broadened Horizons: Australia Awards Law of the Sea Short Course Moves Online
Sharing the Philippines’ strong interest in maritime law, the Australian Government, through its Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program, has supported the delivery of a one-week Law of the Sea course for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other Philippine Government Departments and agencies. The course was delivered by the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at the University of Wollongong.
Australia Alumni Community in the Philippines joins the world in celebrating equality
The Australia Global Alumni community in the Philippines - composed of Australia-educated Filipinos and alumni of Australian Government programs in the country - recently celebrated Philippine National Women's Month with back-to-back webinars on gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI). Dubbed Moving Forward to #BreakTheBias, the events, which were held in collaboration with the Australia Alumni Communities Philippines GEDSI Community of Practice, aimed to raise awareness against bias and celebrate equality.
Applications for In-Country Scholarship program (ICSP) now open for Bangsamoro leaders
Development leaders in the Bangsamoro region who are seeking to pursue postgraduate studies in premier academic institutions in the Philippines can now apply for the Australian Government's In-Country Scholarship Program (ICSP). ICSP aims to respond to the human resource development (HRD) priorities of the new Bangsamoro Government in carrying out peace and security in Mindanao and delivering government services in the region.
Applications are open until 7 June 2022. Click HERE to know more and to apply for the program.
New batch of Filipino scholars set to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia
Another batch of 25 Filipinos are set to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia by June 2022 as Australia Awards scholars. Filipino scholars will pursue programs aligned to priority areas such as public health and social protection, trade and economics, digital economy and cyber security, infrastructure and smart cities, and peace and development.
At the conclusion of their studies, the Australia Awards scholars will join the dynamic Australia Global Alumni community in the Philippines.
Australia Alumni Community in the Philippines joins the world in celebrating equality
The Australia Global Alumni community in the Philippines - composed of Australia-educated Filipinos and alumni of Australian Government programs in the country - recently celebrated Philippine National Women's Month with back-to-back webinars on gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI). Dubbed Moving Forward to #BreakTheBias, the events, which were held in collaboration with the Australia Alumni Communities Philippines GEDSI Community of Practice, aimed to raise awareness against bias and celebrate equality.
Australia Awards Supports Training of Trainers Program on Business Process Management
The Deputy Head of Mission of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, Mr. Richard Sisson, and Atty. Janet Abuel, Undersecretary of Budget and Management, recently opened the Australia Awards Short Course on the Training of Trainers for Process Review and Re-engineering of Government Processes. The course brought together thirty public officials from key Philippine Government agencies, including the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Finance, the Commission on Audit, the Anti-Red Tape Act, and two state universities (Bicol University and Western Visayas State University).
Australia Awards short course promotes Gender, Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion in Philippines Civil Service
The Australian Government, through the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program – Philippines (AAAEP-P), in collaboration with The University of Queensland (UQ), is delivering a short course on Gender, Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Mainstreaming to key Philippine civil service agencies from June 2020 to March 2021.
Budget agencies get a boost from Australia Awards Process Review and Re-engineering short course
Twenty-seven public financial management practitioners recently completed the Australia Awards Short Course on Process Review and Re-engineering for Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS). The short course, which was delivered virtually by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), sought to address the current challenges in the implementation of budget management and treasury system in the Philippines.
Australia opens applications for prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships
Filipino development leaders seeking to pursue a master’s degree in Australia can now apply for the 2022 intake of Australia Awards Scholarships – Australian Government’s prestigious postgraduate scholarship program for the next generation of global leaders for development.
Broadened Horizons: Australia Awards Law of the Sea Short Course Moves Online
Sharing the Philippines’ strong interest in maritime law, the Australian Government, through its Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program, has supported the delivery of a one-week Law of the Sea course for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other Philippine Government Departments and agencies. The course was delivered by the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at the University of Wollongong.
Digital Transformation of Philippine Government Agencies supported by the Australian Government through Australia Awards
For the first time in two years, the Australian Government through the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program Philippines (AAAEP-P), delivered short courses for its partner Philippine agencies in-person. In collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University and Asia Pacific College, AAAEP-P recently conducted two short courses on digital transformation to help its partner Philippine government agencies address current needs and challenges as the Philippines shifts towards a more digital approach in public service.
Twenty-five Filipino development leaders set to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia
Twenty-five Filipinos are set to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia’s premier universities through Australia Awards scholarships. They will pursue programs aligned to priority areas, which include public health and social protection, trade and economics, digital economy and cyber security, infrastructure and smart cities, peace and development, education, governance and public policy, natural resource management, and humanitarian and disaster risk management.
Upon their return to the Philippines, the Australia Awards scholars will be a part of a dynamic community of Australian-educated Filipinos through Australia's Global Alumni network.
Returning Filipino scholars set to make a difference in the Philippines
Fresh from finishing their postgraduate studies in Australia’s top universities, the latest batch of Filipino scholars recently discussed opportunities to give back to the Philippines and make a difference in their organisations and communities. The Re-integration and Re-Entry Action Plan (REAP) Finalisation Workshop provided a platform for the returning scholars to discuss and finalise their REAPs and discuss reintegration concerns in the Philippines.
Returning Filipino scholars discuss opportunities to make a difference as PHL recovers from COVID-19
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J Robinson AO recently welcomed 17 Filipino recipients of the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships. The latest batch of balikbayan scholars are set to make a difference in the Philippines by applying the knowledge and skills they gained in Australia through their re-entry action plans (REAPs).
Australian Embassy Welcomes Balikbayan Scholars
Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO, together with Embassy officials, recently welcomed the returning scholars to the Australia Global Alumni community in the Philippines. The scholars shared their amazing experiences in Australia, their life during the pandemic, and their plans to help create a positive impact in their communities and organisations using their Australian education and experience.
Australia supports the professional development of local scholars pursuing development work in the Bangsamoro region
Forty alumni of the In-Country Local Scholarship Program (ICSP) gathered virtually for a discussion on leadership, grit and resiliency dubbed as "Leading with Grisiliency." The session is part of the professional development support of the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program to its alumni. The webinar was held to help enhance the abilities of alumni in navigating day-to-day challenges, especially during the pandemic.
Australia Awards short courses culminate with virtual conference on data driven leadership
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson AO and Secretary Karl Chua of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently led the virtual conference on Data Driven Leadership in the Digital Era. The virtual event marked the conclusion of the Australia Awards Short Courses on Business Intelligence and Data Analysis (batch 3) and Policy Research and Development (batch 2). Carnegie Mellon University in Australia (CMU-Australia) delivered both courses online to over 60 officials from 15 partner government agencies in the Philippines.
Applications for In-Country Scholarship program (ICSP) now open for Bangsamoro leaders
Development leaders in the Bangsamoro region who are seeking to pursue postgraduate studies in premier academic institutions in the Philippines can now apply for the Australian Government's In-Country Scholarship Program (ICSP). ICSP aims to respond to the human resource development (HRD) priorities of the new Bangsamoro Government in carrying out peace and security in Mindanao and delivering government services in the region.
Applications are open until 7 June 2022. Click HERE to know more and to apply for the program.