8 Pinoys named UK education ambassadors

MANILA, Philippines - Eight Filipinos have been named United Kingdom education ambassadors to the Philippines after they completed post-graduate studies from the best British universities.

They are Juliet Sio-Aguilar, Nassreena Sampaco-Baddiri, Danilo Concepcion, Amifaith Fider, Glenda Gloria, Beatriz Latay, Elcid Pangilinan and Michael Toledo.

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad said the education ambassadors come from different sectors, including business, the judiciary, media and academe.

“I am proud to confer the awards on eight outstanding alumni, each examples of excellence in their chosen fields,” he said.

“Education is a global currency. It brings people together, builds understanding and creates prosperity. It is at the heart of the partnership the UK and Philippines shares, including through scientific exchanges, attendance at UK universities or the British School in Manila and those who take part in the Chevening Scholarship program.” 

Britain’s Chevening program offers established or emerging leaders from 118 countries around the world the chance to earn a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any of its top universities.

Over 1,000 post-graduate and undergraduate students from the Philippines go to the UK annually to benefit from a world-class education. 

The British embassy said the awards will be formally presented to the UK education ambassadors on Oct. 25 in recognition of their contribution to education, including scholarships.

Fider, who pursued a research fellowship on the International Rights of the Child at the University of London, said she felt a sense of duty to serve one’s home country after receiving a scholarship to study in the UK.

 “When the opportunity came to apply for a position in the judiciary in year 2004, I proceeded to pursue it, realizing that after everything I have received, this is finally my chance to serve my country,” she said.

Latay, who received a master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh, said “studying in the UK instilled in me holistic confidence and openness. I was encouraged to question and challenge the status quo while being true to my moral responsibilities.

“The diversity of minds, cultures and landscape around me promoted collaborative solutions, and inspired a deeper sense of wonder and optimism for what each of us can contribute,” she said.

Latay is a founding member of Ayala Corp.’s Innovation Group.