Negros Occ. Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and International College of Advance Education (ICAE) chief executive officer, Sean Mahoney, signed a Memorandum of Agreement for a “Study Now, Pay Later” Australia Scholarship Program, in Darwin, Australia, on Wednesday, November 9.
The recipients of the scholarship are qualified and deserving Negrense students in the field of hospitality, tourism, and cookery Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said Thursday.
They will study at ICAE, based in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
The scholarship aims to provide the Negrense youth with the opportunity to study and work in Australia and pave the way for them to obtain a stable career and qualify for a temporary work visa, and eventually permanent work visa and residency, Diaz said.
It is stated in the MOA that ICAE will provide qualified Negrense scholars with vocational training, which will incorporate an equal mix of classroom study and paid industry placement for hospitality and commercial cookery.
The scholarship programs offered by ICAE are accredited and approved by the Australian Government, and in coordination with the Office of the Honorary Consul to NT, Australia, Januario Rivas.
Lacson also attended the ICAE Graduation Ceremony together with Rivas and the Negros Occidental delegation.
Eva Lawler, Minister for the Northern Territory in Australia, also welcomed Lacson at the Darwin Parliament House, on Thursday.
They discussed updates on infrastructure, planning and logistics of both governments as well as possible collaboration on scholarships and migration.
Also joining the meeting were Diaz, Rivas, Executive Assistant to the Governor and PIO Charina Magallanes – Tan, and NOLITC Administrator, Dr. Cristina Orbecido.*