17 February 2016 – Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Enrique A. Manalo met with Baroness Valerie Amos, Director of the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London on February 15 to discuss the University’s proposed programs on Philippine studies.
During the meeting, Baroness Amos handed to the Ambassador a concept paper entitled “Advancing the Study of the Philippines at SOAS University of London.” The paper envisions the establishment of, among others, a prestigious named faculty position and new scholarship program on Philippine studies at the said institution with financial support from public and private sectors. The proposal is a product of recent discussions between SOAS and Philippine Embassy officials.
SOAS officials also informed the visiting ambassador that they have started offering a Filipino (Tagalog) language course since January 2016.
Ambassador Manalo thanked Baroness Amos and her colleagues for their efforts to make Philippine studies accessible to SOAS and other UK students. “The proposed program on the study of the Philippines at SOAS is the first of its kind in the UK, and we view this progress as a clear indication of the growing interest among the British academic community and the general public in learning about Filipino culture.”
Baroness Amos was delighted to formally endorse the proposal to the Philippine Ambassador, stating that she looks forward to expanding collaborations between SOAS and the Philippines. Formerly the UN Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, the Baroness was able to visit the Philippines on three occasions after the onslaught of typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
SOAS, a constituent college of the University of London, was founded in 1916 and is now the world’s leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its new director, Baroness Amos sat in the British cabinet as Secretary of State for International Development (DFID) and Leader of the House of Lords. She also served as UK High Commissioner (Ambassador) to Australia before joining the UN.
Ambassador Manalo and Baroness Amos also noted the significance and timeliness of the partnership between the Embassy and SOAS, considering that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Philippine-British diplomatic relations and SOAS’s centenary (1916-2016)
The meeting was also attended by Professor William Clarence-Smith, Professor of the Economic History of Asia and Africa, SOAS; Dr Cristina Juan, Research Associate, SOAS; Ms Lauren Welch, Development Manager, SOAS; and Mr. Asry Rafanan, SOAS LLM (Master of Laws) student and Chevening scholar. Ambassador Manalo was accompanied by Minister Emma Sarne and Vice Consul Rommel Romato. END