Press Release

Two women energy research specialists from the Philippines were chosen for postgraduate studies in the Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) scholarship programs in Japan.

Both scholars from the Department of Energy (DOE) were accepted for long-term training through the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP). Angelica Delos Santos will be studying Public Policy in the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo under the Energy Policy Program. Meanwhile, Jomarie Permejo was accepted as research student for the Master's Degree in Earth Resources Engineering focused on Exploration Geophysics in Kyushu University under the Kizuna Program.

"The scholarship will give me an opportunity to understand and investigate several policies particularly in implementing Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) in off-grid areas in the Philippines," said Delos Santos about her research plans.

The DOE targets at least 20 GW of renewable energy installations by 2030 according to the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP). Part of the country's resolute efforts to meet the goals of the PEP is to boost technical competencies through education and capacity-building.

Meanwhile, Permejo is hoping to learn and apply Japan's best practices, tools, and techniques in geothermal development in studying a geothermal project in Ifugao and Benguet Provinces. "My work in the Philippines involves assessing and exploring geothermal resources through geoscientific studies. With my studies in Japan, I look forward to learning technical capabilities in assessing the Philippines' geothermal potential and help update the database or inventory of geothermal sites in the country for exploration and development."

The Philippines, being located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, provides a vast number of potentially rich geothermal resources that can be used as alternative to fossil fuels. Already, the DOE held campaigns to explore these resources to ensure sustainable energy supply in meeting the country's electricity demand and minimize reliance on fossil fuels.

"JICA extends its fullest cooperation in support of finding solutions on how to address climate change through use of renewable energy. The JICA KCCP has offered scholarships in this area to help develop future talent in the energy sector in the Philippines and contribute to nation building," said JICA Philippines Chief Representative AZUKIZAWA Eigo.

Aside from human resource development, JICA has also been supporting the Philippine energy sector through rural electrification initiatives, sharing of Japanese technology for the improvement of electricity distribution, policy support, and other cooperation on energy conservation.

Recipients of JICA scholarships: Jomarie Permejo (L) and Angelica Delos Santos (R).