Rappler reporter, 26 others bag Chevening scholarships

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler multimedia reporter Carmela Fonbuena has been awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship by the UK Government for the 2015-2016 academic year beginning this September.

Fonbuena joins 26 other Chevening scholars, who form the biggest batch from the Philippines since the fellowship was introduced to the country.

Aside from Fonbuena, the other Chevening scholars are: Ysmael Mangorsi, Maila Beniera, Maria Carmen Fernandez, Tasneem AbdulRauf, Asnin Pendatun, Maria Lourdes Gregorio, Edy Lynn Santiago, Julius Lotilla, Paul Zambrano, Ianela Carla Ortiz, Benedict Nisperos, Carizza Castelo, Anya Palileo, Micaela Papa, Asryman Rafanan, Raymond Astillas, Robert Siy, Aison Garcia, Rhio Fuentes-Nuylan, Margarita Villanueva, Miguel Dorotan, Emilio Marañon III, Baby Ruth Villarama, Marc Cebreros, Irene Valones and Ivan Ledesma. 

“I’m delighted to see so many Chevening Scholarships awarded in the Philippines this year,” said Ambassador Asif Ahmad at a reception at his residence on Tuesday, August 25. “This is our biggest number ever so these future leaders are making history. Working with our partners, we are very fortunate to have been able to increase the number of scholarships this year, reflecting our strong commitment to a dynamic UK-Philippine relationship. And we plan to see this number increase next year,” he added.

The scholars will pursue Masters Degrees at different educational institutions in the UK in the fields of: finance and economics, law & human rights, trade, art & film, health and sciences, governance and peace & conflict studies, according to a statement from the British Embassy in Manila.

“I’m sure your time in the UK will help you develop your vision and plans and allow them to be put into effect when you return to the Philippines,” the ambassador added.

Fonbuena, who covers the military and politics for Rappler, will take up Masters in Political Communication at Cardiff University.

Fonbuena was a former reporter of Newsbreak magazine where she won first prize in the Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Excellence in Journalism (2007) for a story on political killings in the Philippines. She has co-written 3 books on the Philippine elections.

She joined Rappler when it launched in 2012. She graduated in 2003 with a degree in journalism, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines.

Applications to Chevening Scholarships are ongoing; log on to www.chevening.org/apply for more information. – Rappler.com