Scholar program to be revived

Opposition Sen. Edgardo Angara has filed a bill to revive an overseas scholarship program for deserving Filipino students.

Under the scheme called "Pensionado Program," Filipino scholars would be sent abroad for free advanced studies.

"The government should devise a program for the overseas education and training for the brightest and most promising Filipinos who are already employed or self-employed in the various branches of science and technology," Angara said.

The measure aims to maximize and streamline the use of public and private resources currently earmarked for Filipino scientists and technology experts.

As proposed, the program will be implemented by the Commission on Higher Education in coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Education, Culture and Sports and the Department of Science and Technology.

These agencies will coordinate with private groups, including non-government organizations, supporting scholarship programs for science and technology professionals.

Outstanding scientists and technology professionals aged 30 to 40 can apply for either a formal degree course or post-graduate studies.

The program will offer one year of free study, with the scholar receiving full pay, monthly stipends, health and insurance coverage, as well as allowances for books, research and clothing.

Twenty-three students will be sent abroad as full scholars, with the cost being bankrolled by the government and their respective employers.

Upon their return to the country, the scholars will have to render government service either as trainers or technologists.

Meanwhile, Sen. Teresa Aquino-Oreta, also a member of the minority bloc, urged the Arroyo administration to resolve basic problems confronting the education system before it embarks on an ambitious program of making the Philippines Asia’s center for information and technology information.

Oreta pointed out that public schools lack the primary needs for computer education such as electricity, telephones and information technology experts.