What is PACES?

Mission:
To support needy but outstanding Filipino university students in the form of scholarships in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Our Vision:
A sustainable scholarship programme in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) leading towards a strong scientific and technical base in the Philippines.

PACES stands for the Philippine-Austrian Cultural and Educational Society. It is an association of like-minded members of the Philippine-Austrian community who believe in promoting the study of science and technology as a vehicle for development and progress.

PACES’ core activity is a scholarship program – STEMS75 – which aims to provide full scholarship to deserving students in the Philippines pursuing college degrees in the scientific fields, and will promote this learning process by strengthening the inter-cultural dialogue and the bilateral relationship between these two nations .

The Philippines and Austria are two countries with distinct historical and cultural backgrounds, and there are important knowledge and values that the people of one country can learn from the other. PACES is founded on the idea that peoples and societies develop and progress by learning from each other.

PACES activities build around the following concepts:

  • Promoting intercultural exchange between Austria and the Philippines;
  • Supporting science as a vehicle for progress and development;
  • Supporting education initiatives in science and technology; and
  • Helping provide full scholarships to deserving students.

The Faces Behind PACES

Officers and Executive Board, 2024-2026

Jane Gerardo-Abaya

Jane Gerardo-Abaya

President

Jane Gerardo-Abaya holds a PhD in Applied Geology and Geothermal Hydrology .. more
Priscila Ramo-Confiado

Priscila Ramo-Confiado

Vice President, Internal Affairs

Priscila is a Social Development Consultant and Practitioner… more

Tbd

Tbd

Vice President, External Affairs

Alessandra Jose Parco, DDM

Alessandra Jose Parco, DDM

Secretary

Xandee is a happily dedicated wife and mother, a devout Catholic … more

Angelo Camarata

Angelo Camarata

Treasurer

Angelo graduated with two high level degrees in Mathematics and Physicsmore.

Manuel Ortega

Manuel Ortega

Auditor

Manuel Q. Ortega formerly worked at the International Data Center Division of themore

Efren Abaya

Efren Abaya

Director, PACES Education Programme

Efren Abaya formerly worked at the CTBTO…more

Ambassador Sulpicio Confiado (ret)

Ambassador Sulpicio Confiado (ret)

Chief Strategist

Rodolfo Quevenco

Rodolfo Quevenco

Communications Officer

Rodolfo Quevenco is a retired communications and outreach professional… more   

Maria Lourdes Reininger

Maria Lourdes Reininger

President, 2018-2020

Malou has a background in Computer Science and Information Technology.. more.

Marizel Magistrado Rojas

Marizel Magistrado Rojas

President, 2020-2024

Marizel has a BSc in Physics for Teachers and is a product of the National Science Development Board… more

Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson

Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson

Founding Ambassador

Ambassador Collinson was the former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines to Austria.