26 August 2026, Seoul — The Woojung Education and Culture Foundation has selected five Filipino students as recipients of its scholarship program for the second semester of 2026, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to community service. 

The five Filipino scholars include two returning Woojung scholars and three new recipients. The returning scholars are Mr. Jasper Roldan Go, a PhD student in Biomedical Sciences at the Seoul National University, and Mr. Van Aldren Canas, an integrated Master’s/PhD student in Animal Biotechnology at the Dankook University.

The three new scholars are Mr. Jerico Bolide, a Bachelors in Global School of Liberal Studies student at Seoul National University of Science and Technology; Ms. Maria Sophia Criste, a Master’s/PhD student in Biomedical Science student at Soonchunhyang University; and Ms. Hazel Olive Parmes, a Master’s student in Civil and Environmental Engineering student at Kongju National University. 

The scholars were selected following a thorough evaluation process by the Woojung Scholarship Committee, based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and dedication to serving their communities.

In his welcome speech, Chairman Dr. Lee Joong-keun of the Woojung Education and Culture Foundation expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, and Foundation officials for attending the scholarship award ceremony. He warmly welcomed the international students who left their beloved home countries to pursue their academic and professional aspirations in Korea. 

Chairman Lee also highlighted his designation in February as President of the United Nations Association of the Republic of Korea. He reflected on the countries that supported and defended Korea during the Korean War, underscoring the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity between Korea and the international community.

In her congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, on behalf of all governments represented by the Ambassadors and Deputies at the ceremony, conveyed sincere felicitations to Chairman Lee, the Woojung Education and Culture Foundation, and the Booyoung Construction Group for their tireless efforts to provide much needed financial assistance to deserving students and promote excellence in education in the Republic of Korea. 

Ambassador Fernandez likewise reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and partnership between the Philippines and Korea – relations forged and strengthened by a shared commitment to peace, freedom, and democracy. She recalled the Philippines’ historic decision to stand alongside Korea during the Korean War, a testament to the enduring bonds between the two countries and their peoples.  

The scholarship award ceremony was held on August 26, 2026 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building in Seoul. The ceremony brought together 98 scholarship recipients from 32 countries, members of the Board of the Woojung Education and Culture Foundation, officers from the Booyoung Construction Group, and members of the diplomatic community in Korea.

The gathering celebrated the scholars’ academic achievements while highlighting the importance of supporting international students who contribute to Korea’s diverse academic and cultural community.

 

Since 2010, the Woojung Education and Culture Foundation has awarded scholarships twice a year to international students studying in Korea. Through the program, the Foundation seeks to promote academic excellence and provide financial assistance to deserving international students pursuing higher education in Korea.

The Embassy of the Philippines in Korea warmly congratulates the five Filipino scholars on this significant achievement. The Embassy likewise expresses it sincere appreciation to the Woojung Education and Culture Foundation and the Booyoung Construction Group for their continued support for Filipino students and their steadfast commitment to advancing educational opportunities for international students in Korea. END