Monsanto Philippines, Inc., through its Corporate Affairs office, is asking eligible undergraduate and graduate students from MMSU to apply for scholarship under the Monsanto Beachell Borlaug International Scholarship Program (MBBISP).

The call was aired by Chat Garrido-Ocampo, the company’s corporate affairs offices, during a forum held at the Teatro Ilocandia on Aug. 4.

Monsanto is a sustainable agriculture company which delivers agricultural products that support farmers around the world. Its mandates are focused on empowering large and small-scale farmers in producing more from their land while conserving the world’s natural resources such as water and energy.

The MBBISP was established by Monsanto in 2009 in honor of two of the world’s most preeminent rice and wheat breeders: Dr. Henry Beachell and Dr. Norman Borlaug. Their lifelong work laid the foundation for the remarkable increases in rice and wheat production that continue to help feed the world today.

Ocampo said scholarship applications from other institutions throughout the world are now being scrutinized by a panel of evaluators. Once accepted, the scholars will be provided with funds to pursue master’s and doctor’s degrees in wheat or rice plant breeding.

“This is a competitive scholarship program that is why we are making ourselves available should applicants need further information or assistance in meeting the requirements,” Ocampo said, adding that Monsanto’s goal is to have more Filipino students pursue scholarships which provide a full package of support, including a generous student stipend, tuition, applicable fees, health insurance, research fees and travel, as well as funds for the collaborating institution and advising professor.

The MBBISP provides funding to students from anywhere in the world to complete their PhD program at any university that grants a PhD in rice or wheat breeding. According to Ocampo, scholars from developing countries like the Philippines must complete part of their research program in one of the following developed countries: Australia, Canada, the United States or Western Europe. Conversely, students enrolled in universities located in first-world countries are required to immerse themselves in developing countries.

Aside from this, Monsanto is also opening its doors to graduating BS in Agriculture students who would want to conduct their on-the-job training in the company. Dr. Gabriel Romero of the company’s regulatory affairs department said Monsanto will be giving P228 daily financial incentives to qualified interns.