Filipina Scientist to PH Ambassador: I Want PH to Reap the Benefits of Science
Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio Manuel Lagdameo listens to Dr. Jhalique Jane Fojas’ plans on working with other Filipino scientists who, like her, are interested to contribute to nation building through science. (Stacy Garcia photo)
LONDON 04 September 2018 — “I want to return to the Philippines to train future scientists,” said overseas Filipino student Jhalique Jane Fojas, who is currently completing her doctorate in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Neurophysics) from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
Ambassador to the U.K. Antonio Manuel Lagdameo received Ms. Fojas at the Philippine Embassy in London on 08 August 2018 to discuss the developments of an initiative she and another Filipino student, Mr. Reg Lagaac, have been pushing for in the past two years.
Through the efforts of Ms. Fojas and Mr. Lagaac, the Cambridge Global Health Partnership group will be bringing their technology and expertise to three hospitals in the Philippines, particularly in Legazpi, Bacolod, and Davao.
The group aims to provide free world-class medical services to the poorest communities in these areas.
Ms. Fojas is also pursuing a Masters of Medical Sciences degree in Clinical Investigation (Neurology and Neuropsychiatry) at Harvard University in the United States. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Philippines.
This is only the start of Ms. Fojas’ dream to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos through science. She is passionate about using what she has learned from two of the world’s most prestigious universities in making quality healthcare accessible to all.
During her stint at Cambridge, Ms. Fojas developed a non-invasive device to treat drug addiction. According to her, a similar device was approved in the U.K. to treat Parkinson’s disease.
She has also been working on a project to bring psychiatry to the community in an effort to zap the stigma many people today still associate with obtaining treatment for issues in mental health.
“Funding and opportunities remain a big challenges,” the Filipina scientist disclosed when asked about the challenges that young scientists like her are confronted with in their pursuit to bring knowledge, technology, and innovation home. “We also need a collaborative space where we, overseas Filipino scientists, can gather in to share what we have learned from our work. That is one of my dreams—to establish a national laboratory.”
Ambassador Lagdameo lauded Ms. Fojas’ determination in seeing her dream through. “The Philippine Embassy supports the work undertaken by our overseas Filipino scientists. We are here not only to listen but to provide links and to establish meaningful partnerships and networks knowing fully well that for scientific work to flourish, it must be fuelled by strong collaborations that transcend nationality or geographic boundaries.”
The Ambassador underscored the high calibre of overseas Filipino scientists and how the indelible marks they have made in their respective fields. “Through the trails they have blazed in both the natural and social sciences, overseas Filipino scientists have made an impact in their respective fields that have advanced the global scientific agenda.”
Ms. Fojas is set to meet with representatives from the Philippine Department of Health towards the end of the year before the full implementation of the medical mission. After which, she returns to Harvard Medical School to complete her studies.
Consul General and Deputy Chief of Mission Senen T. Mangalile, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Stacy Danika Alcantara-Garcia participated in the discussion during the Filipina scientist’s courtesy call with the Ambassador. END
For more information, visit www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/pg/PHLinUK and @philippinesinuk on Twitter.
Dr. Jhalique Jane Fojas is an overseas Filipino student who has developed non-invasive portable technology that may potentially treat drug addiction. (Stacy Garcia photo)