Chevening Celebrates 40 Years in the Philippines with Award Ceremony
The UK’s prestigious Chevening Scholarship programme celebrated its 40th anniversary with the Filipino Chevening community on 29 February 2024, hosted by Deputy Ambassador Alistair White and the British Embassy Manila.
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from diverse backgrounds, with the goal of nurturing future leaders capable of bringing positive change to their respective countries. The Chevening programme began in 1983 and has supported over 55,000 alumni, who are now part of an extensive global network including more than 20 current and former heads of state.
Chevening Scholarships have enabled 541 Filipino students to complete their master’s degrees in the UK and develop their careers, in order to make significant contributions to society.
Welcoming the alumni, Deputy Ambassador Alistair White, said:
Over four decades, the Chevening Scholarship programme has selected the very best candidates to study in the UK. We take pride in the achievements of our alumni, who, through their education and experiences, have made lasting contributions to the progress of the Philippines and the wider world. I am delighted to welcome the return of the most recent 23 Chevening scholars and look forward to seeing how they draw on their experiences at the UK’s top universities as they become future leaders and influencers in their respective fields.
For 40 years, Chevening has supported future leaders from around the world. To mark this special milestone, the British Embassy Manila and the Chevening Alumni Foundation of the Philippines launched the Chevening Awards. The awards consisted of 5 categories to acknowledge outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their areas of expertise: Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Creative Industry and Culture, Health and Pandemic Response, Climate Change and Sustainability, and Leadership and Advocacy. These alumni are trailblazers in their fields, recognised as innovators and drivers of change in the Philippines.
In addition to the inaugural Chevening Awards, the Philippine Chevening community welcomed home the 23 scholars who have successfully completed their master’s degrees in the UK. They represent a diverse range of areas, from gender rights to science communication.
Speaking on behalf of the returning batch, Lian Buan said:
The year we spent in the UK was such a highlight in our lives. But while we thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent there, we always thought back home – to our ‘why’. At the end of the day, the Philippines is the country that we choose. May we become the leaders that our fellow Filipinos deserve. And, may we become the Filipinos that our country deserves.
This anniversary serves as a pivotal moment to reflect on the Chevening Scholarship programme’s incredible journey, recognise the accomplishments of Chevening alumni, and set the course for the future.
Notes to editors
About Chevening:
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Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. The scholarships support one-year taught master’s degrees at UK universities for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.
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Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to become future leaders, and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them create positive change in their country. The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study for any eligible master’s degree at over 150 UK universities, while also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.
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The 2022-23 Philippine Chevening cohort is composed of: Tina Amador-Robles, Darwin Angeles, JJ Azucena, Shairra Bello, Lian Buan, Mark Brandon Chan, Hamilcar Chanjueco Jr., Jeo Elamparo, Cheska Enriquez, Celina Gacias, JJ Gepanaga, Chrisley Hinayas, Jai Jalasco, Praise Ladringan, Mary Lim-Guillano, Joanne Madridejos, Regine Mora, Ria Octavio, Abigail Pabro, Lester Pelaez, Arvin Razon, Roxanne Roxas, and Sam Tamayo
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The Chevening programme accepts applications annually from August – October. You can find more information at https://www.chevening.org/apply/
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Are you a Chevening Alumni? https://www.chevening.org/alumni/stay-connected/
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Link to event photos: https://adobe.ly/3wzwx93
Award categories:
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Acknowledging the alumnus who was able to innovate the business landscape. Not only did he/she display excellence in business and innovation, but also pushed for sustainable business practices.
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Creative Industry and Culture: Acknowledging the alumnus who displayed exceptional influence in the creative industry and arts, empowering his/her fellow artists and growing the field.
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Health and Pandemic Response: Acknowledging the alumnus who is at the forefront of Health. He/she displayed excellence, toughness, and outstanding ability during the pandemic.
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Climate Change and Sustainability: Acknowledging the alumnus who displayed an exceptional advocacy in the field of Climate. This Chevener is able to display exceptional contributions in the field of environment and sustainability.
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Leadership and Advocacy: Acknowledging the alumnus who displayed excellent leadership qualities in his/her advocacy, empowering groups and inspiring the next generation of leaders
Categories and winners of the awards are the following:
Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Maoi Arroyo (University of Cambridge – MPhil Bioscience Enterprise, 2002)
- Maoi Arroyo is a multi-awarded entrepreneur and investor. What she does best is show people how to profit with a purpose and how to think differently. At 35, she had created 3,500 jobs in the poorest parts of the Philippines by commercialising innovations in an emerging market. She is the founder and principal of the Ignite Impact Fund and advises the World Economic Forum on sustainable investing.
Creative Industry and Culture – Pamela Mejia (University of the Arts London – MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2019)
- Pamela Mejia is an award-winning fashion impact entrepreneur from Manila who started her first clothing brand at just 17 to help her family. She holds a master’s degree in Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London. In 2018, she founded “FIBERS” (Fashion Innovation Businesses for Environment, Reformation, and Sustainability), an organisation fostering fashion innovation for environmental sustainability, empowering fashion social entrepreneurs and Artisans across the ASEAN region. Her latest venture, “PAMME” creates eco-friendly bags and accessories from recycled plastic waste, empowering incarcerated women with employment opportunities.
Health and Pandemic Response – Dr. Eduardo Banzon (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine – MSc Health Policy, Planning and Financing, 1997)
- Dr. Eduardo Banzon is currently the Principal Health Specialist at the Asian Development Bank. He is a champion of Universal Health Care and has provided technical support to countries in Asia and the Pacific. Before joining ADB, he served as the President and CEO of PhilHealth. During his stint in PhilHealth, he emphasized the need to ensure that all Filipinos are provided with social health insurance coverage and their benefits.
Climate Change and Sustainability – Anna Oposa (Imperial College London – MSc Conservation Science, 2014)
- At 23 years old, Anna Oposa co-founded Save Philippine Seas (SPS) in 2011 as a response to an illegal wildlife trade case that led her to testify in the Philippine Senate. Through her vision, SPS engaged, educated, and empowered coastal and urban communities to appreciate and love their coastal and marine resources. She developed various programs that build the capacity and skills of youth, educators, entrepreneurs, and government officials. Anna has led several campaigns advocating for sustainable tourism, reduction of single-use plastics, and the adopting of shark conservation policies and legal frameworks. Moreover, she has contributed to raising the profile of marine conservation in mainstream media and inspiring other movements, changing policies, and integrating environmental education in the national system.
Leadership and Advocacy – Glenda Gloria (London School of Economics and Political Science – MSc Political Sociology, 1998)###
- Glenda Gloria co-founded Rappler in July 2011 and served as its managing editor until November 16, 2020 when she was named executive director. She received the 2023 Laureate for Southeast Asia in the WAN-IFRA Women in News Editorial Leadership Award where she was recognised at the World News Media Congress held in Taiwan. She continues to make waves with Rappler in their advocacy of furthering media responsibility, defending press freedom, and battling fake news.
Contact: Jedd Ivan Manjares (Chevening Scholarships Officer, Philippines and Palau) Email: jeddivan.manjares@fcdo.gov.uk