London, 15 February 2016 – Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Enrique A. Manalo today met with Baroness Valerie Amos, Director of the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London to discuss the university’s proposed programs on Philippine studies.

During the meeting, Baroness Amos handed to the Philippine Ambassador a concept paper entitled “Advancing the Study of the Philippines at SOAS University of London”. 

SOAS officials also informed the visiting Philippine Ambassador that they have started offering Filipino (Tagalog) language course since January 2016.

Baroness Amos was delighted to formally endorse the proposal to the Philippine Ambassador, and that she looks forward to expanding collaborations between SOAS and the Philippines. 

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. 

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, Dr Cristina Juan, Research Associate, Ms Lauren Welch, Development Manager, Mr Asry Rafanan, SOAS LLM student and Chevening scholar. Ambassador Manalo was accompanied by Minister Emma Sarne and Vice-Consul Rommel Romato. END