Taipei: A record-breaking 147 Filipinos have been awarded scholarships funded by Taiwan's government for the 2026-2027 academic year, as revealed by Taiwan's representative office in the Philippines. The interest in studying in Taiwan is on the rise, with over 1,000 applications received this year, significantly surpassing the 650 applications from the previous year.

According to Focus Taiwan, the scholarships were distributed during a ceremony organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) at RCBC Plaza in Makati City, Metro Manila. The scholarships are funded by various Taiwanese agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education. The 147 scholarships awarded this year surpass the previous record of 135 set in 2025.

Wallace Chow, Taiwan's representative to the Philippines, highlighted the increasing interest among Filipinos in pursuing education in Taiwan, noting that the Filipino student body has become the fifth-largest group of international students in Taiwan, numbering more than 5,500. Chow attributed this growth to Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, which promotes talent exchanges, and expressed optimism about Filipino students viewing Taiwan as a "second home."

The scholarship recipients will study various fields such as AI, semiconductors, humanities, medicine, tourism, and international relations, as mentioned by TECO. Corazon Avecilla-Padiernos, chairperson and resident representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, expressed her hopes that the students would return home enriched not only with knowledge but with friendships and enhanced future prospects after completing their studies.

Padiernos, representing the Philippines' de facto embassy in Taiwan, also hopes that the scholarship recipients will act as a bridge between the youth of Taiwan and the Philippines, fostering deeper bilateral cooperation.

For many students, Taiwan's social environment is an appealing factor. Paul Daniel Serano, a recipient whose thesis focused on gender equality, was drawn to Taiwan due to its pioneering status in Asia for legalizing same-sex marriage. His decision was also influenced by courses at National Chengchi University that align with his research interests. Serano, recalling his visit to Taiwan in 2024, was impressed by its efficient public services and diverse society and plans to spend a few years gaining experience in Taiwan post-graduation.

Another scholarship recipient, Job Lorenzo, cited Taiwan's proximity to the Philippines, efficient transportation, and recent impressive development as motivating factors for his decision to study there. While he plans to initially work in Taiwan, Lorenzo's long-term aim is to return to the Philippines and apply his experiences and knowledge gained in Taiwan for the benefit of his home country.