Three Pinoys awarded UK's Chevening scholarships

MANILA, Philippines –  The UK government has given Chevening Scholarships to three outstanding Filipinos who will pursue further studies at different educational institutions in Britain starting this month. 

 “We are delighted that Filipinos are among the recipients of this year’s Chevening scholarships. These scholarships are highly sought-after, with thousands of applicants from all over the world. The Chevening program is a wonderful link between the UK and the Philippines and underpins our growing education links,” said British Ambassador Stephen Lillie. “UK education is among the world’s best. Its tradition of excellence combined with modern innovation and flexibility makes UK education recognized and respected all over the world.” 

The recipients are Ian Norman Dato, Edzyl Josef Magante and Dave Jesus Devilles.

Dato, former Undersecretary at the Department of Justice, is pursuing a Master of Laws degree in Public International Law at the University College London.

Magante, Court Attorney VI in the legal staff of Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, is taking up a Master of Laws in International Business Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Devilles, public relations specialist at Energy Development Corp., is pursuing further studies in Corporate Communications and Reputation Management at the University of Manchester.     

The scholarship program has consistently produced graduates who have consequently made exemplary achievements in their careers. Most recently, Chevening alumna Flora May Cerna was bestowed the 2010 Aquino Fellowship for Public Service for encouraging several government organizations to create more transparent and accountable processes as head of the Department of Research and Project Development at the Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN).

Chevening scholarships are granted by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office to young individuals in the early stage of their careers who have the potential to become leaders, decision makers and opinion formers in their chosen field. The scholarships were named after Chevening House in Kent, the UK Foreign Secretary’s official country residence.