$32M US grants to scholars, univs
MAKATI – The United States Government, through the US Embassy in the Philippines’ United States Agency for International Development (USAid), recognized 10 research scholars and 37 grant recipients in science, technology and innovation who support the Philippine Government’s push for innovation-led and inclusive growth.
The grants and scholarships are awarded by USAid’s Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (Stride) project, which works to stimulate inclusive economic growth by boosting science and technology research.
Among the research grantees is the University of Southeastern Philippines. The other grantees are: Ateneo de Manila University, Benguet State University, De La Salle University Manila, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Mapua Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao University of Science and Technology, Samar State University, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Technological University of the Philippines, University of San Agustin, University of San Carlos, University of the Philippines Diliman, University of the Philippines Los Banos, University of the Philippines Los Banos Foundation, Inc, University of the Philippines Manila, University of the Philippines Visayas Foundation, Inc., Western Philippines University, and Xavier University.
The scholars are: Nathaniel Alcantara, Judith Antonino, Jose Paolo Bantang, Lilia Fernando, Lance O’hari Go, Andres Philip Mayol, Josept Mari Poblete, Iris Bea Ramiro, Al Rey Villagracia, and Flora Yrad.
The United States Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Y. Kim, personally acknowledged the individual scholars and the research grant recipients. “Our grantees represent the best scientific minds in the Philippines,” said Ambassador Kim. “We look forward to the results of their research projects that should upgrade industries, generate jobs and investments, and build skills and capacities in communities, academic institutions and companies“
The awards included 24 Php5 million ($100,000) one-year research grants to Philippine universities to undertake collaborative research with US universities or a local industry on disciplines that contribute to high-growth sectors, including electronics, chemical industries, alternative energy, agri-business, and information technology.
USAid also funded 10 prototype development research grants, valued at Php1.15 million ($23,000) each, and three innovation development grants that address human development challenges, valued up to Php4 million ($80,000) each.
USAid’s $32 million, Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (Stride) Project is the US government’s largest higher education project in the Philippines. The 5-year project strengthens the Philippines’ capacity for innovation-led inclusive growth through strengthening applied research capabilities in Philippine universities and industry and bolstering human capacity development in science, technology and innovation (STI).