Seven Filipinos named UK Education Ambassadors

Seven Filipinos have been named UK Education Ambassadors for using their academic experiences from UK-based universities in helping their home country.

The seven — Christopher Arnuco, Roberto de Ocampo, Jose Luis Gascon, Kenneth Hartigan-Go, Jessica Hermosa, Karen Hipol and Ma. Luz Vilches — were chosen for their “intelligence, vision and dedication to make a difference in their home country,” according to a news release from the British Embassy in Manila.

“Their duties include promoting the unique opportunities opened up by having an education in the UK and the Chevening Scholarship program,” the embassy said.

Jessica Hermosa, a 2012-2013 Chevening scholar, said her new academic credentials from the University of Birmingham allowed her to work as a writer with Punongbayan & Araullo, and a part-time economic researcher for the American Chamber of Commerce.

“I am looking forward to further work in trade policy and, with learnings from the UK, there should be brighter times ahead,” said Hermosa.

Meanwhile, acquiring a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Bioscience Enterprise enhanced Hipol's confidence in defending her ideas, and broadened her perspective on what is possible.

“My UK experience honed my skills in so many ways that make me more effective at my endeavors: helping entrepreneurs and organizations bring life science innovations into the healthcare, agriculture, food, and cosmetics markets,” said the University of Cambridge graduate.

“I treasure the wealth of intellectual training and scholarship nourished by mentors who have become friends for life and have taken me in as an equal in their professional worlds... Having received much, I am always ready to give more,” said Vilchez, who serves as the Dean of the School of Humanities in Ateneo de Manila.
 
Arnuco, Gascon, Hermosa and Hipol were graduates of the UK government's Chevening program, which offers established or emerging leaders from 118 countries around the world the chance to study a one-year master's degree in any subject at any of the UK's top universities. — Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News