PH Embassy Encourages The 24th Batch of Filipino JDS Fellows To Build Lasting Connections and Deepen PH-JP Ties
20 members of the 24th batch of Filipino JDS Fellows are welcomed by Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Christian L. De Jesus [center] at the Chancery before commencing their graduate studies at different universities across Japan.
The Philippine Embassy in Japan, led by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Christian L. De Jesus, welcomed 20 members of the 24th batch of Japan’s Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) during a courtesy call at the Embassy on 27 August 2026.
The JDS program – formerly the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship – provides government officials with opportunities to pursue graduate studies at leading Japanese educational institutions. The 24th batch comprises Filipino civil servants from various national government agencies, local government units, and a state university.
During the courtesy call, CDA De Jesus encouraged the JDS fellows to excel in their academic pursuits while actively strengthening bilateral relations with Japan. “By coming to Japan as a JDS fellow, you are not only pursuing academic studies that will benefit your respective agencies, but you are now also an ambassador of the Philippines,” CDA De Jesus said. “I hope that during your stay in Japan, you will also be able to build lasting connections and friendships, learn from Japan’s best practices, and help deepen our people-to-people ties,” he added.
JDS fellows share their respective fields of study and areas of research, and express their eagerness to learn from the best practices of Japan which may benefit to their respective government agencies in the Philippines.
On behalf of the Philippine government, CDA De Jesus expressed sincere appreciation to the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), represented by Mr. Yuki YAMASHITA and Ms. Mika FUKUSHIMA of the International Student Programs Department, for its continued support for the professional development of young Filipino civil servants through higher education that contributes to stronger institutions and public service in the Philippines.
Since its establishment in the Philippines in 2002, the JDS program has supported approximately 500 Filipino civil servants in pursuing graduate degrees in Japan in fields such as international relations, management, governance, public policy, science and technology, and environmental studies, among others.
