New Zealand govt grants scholarship to GMA Network segment producer, 18 others

Published January 30, 2013 1:30pm

The New Zealand government has awarded postgraduate scholarships to 19 Filipinos, including Norman Zafra who works as a segment producer and executive producer for GMA Network's "Reporter’s Notebook" and "Front Row" television programs. Zafre will be taking up diploma studies in Business and Communication at The Massey University in Wellington, a news release from the NZAS Awards Philippines said. The New Zealand ASEAN Scholars (NZAS) awards was funded by the New Zealand government through the New Zealand Aid Program.

Aside from Zafra, the other NZAS awardees for 2013 are: (1) Kristian Ablan, PG Diploma in Development Studies at The University of Auckland (2) Ariel Ampong, PG Certificate in Geothermal Technology (3) Richard Aquino, Master of Tourism at The Auckland University of Technology (4) Lisette Castillo, Master of Commerce at The University of Auckland (5) Edlyn Mae Ciano, PG Diploma in Veterinary at The Massey University (6) Annabelle Donato, Master of Arts at The University of Auckland (7) Carolyn Esmenda, PG Diploma in Resource Studies at The Lincoln University (8) Arla Fontamillas, Master of Development Studies at The Victoria University of Wellington (9) Rainier Halcon, PG Certificate in Geothermal Technology at The University of Auckland (10) Michael Lopez, Master of Development Studies at The Lincoln University

(11) Jett Ryan Magtibay, PG Certificate in Geothermal Technology at The University of Auckland (12) Jesusa Molina, Master of Arts at The University of Auckland (13) Joan Mosatalla, Master of Law at The University of Auckland (14) Ace Padua, Master of Agricultural Commerce at The Lincoln University (15) Mike Piluden, PG Diploma in Health Informatics (16) Kristine Sotelo, Master of Food Science at The Auckland University of Technology (17) Harold Valera, PhD in Economics at The Waikato University and (18) Ginny Villareal – Master of Professional Studies at The University of Auckland.

The scholars were selected through a competitive process based on their leadership

potential and knowledge about their selected field of study.

Ambassador Reuben Levermore, who hosted a pre-departure reception for the scholars at his residence on January 11, said, “We wish the scholars success in their studies at New

Zealand universities and hope that they will share their knowledge when they return to their respective fields in the Philippines.”

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Roberto Romulo, an honorary adviser to the Asia New Zealand Foundation, was the guest of honor at the reception. Romulo said, “The Philippines' ties with New Zealand are very important and the scholars

of the New Zealand Aid Program have an important role to play in the development of this country.” - VVP, GMA News

Tags: gmanetwork, newzealand