In support of media freedom in the Philippines, British Ambassador to the Philippines Laurel Beaufils is encouraging more Filipino journalists to apply for the Chevening scholarship so they may pursue a one-year master's degree in their field of expertise at any university in the United Kingdom.

"We will continue to encourage and support Filipino journalists to apply for scholarships in the UK, in particular the prestigious Chevening scholarship, to fund education in media and relations courses," Beaufils said at a reception held recently with members of media, and representatives from the government, and international community.

Among those in attendance were Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines and co-chair of Media Freedom Coalition Marielle Geraedts, BBC Senior Asia correspondent Laura Bicker, and Filipino journalist Howie Severino.

Chevening is a fully-funded scholarship that provides leaders an opportunity to advance academically, develop professionally, build networks, and explore the UK and its culture. In the Philippines,
Chevening is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Unilever Philippines, Megaworld Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, and HSBC.

Her Excellency reiterated the embassy's other commitments that will aid in the country's media freedom: Continued hosting of events to raise awareness, enable debate to provide a safe space for journalists; meeting with journalists, not just for interviews, but to hear their stories and understand their landscape in different parts of the country; raise media freedom through diplomatic engagements; and continued support of human rights defenders, media activists, and NGOs through its other programs and engagements.

"The team and I at the British Embassy Manila believe that each and every one of us has a role to play in promoting a free and open media. We can all do it in different ways. Our hope is that each one of us will be able to reflect on how we can make a difference," Beaufils said.