London, 15 March - 15 Filipino innovators attended the Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (LIF) program in London from 6 to 17 March 2017, under the auspices of the Newton Agham Program.

Philippine Ambassador to the UK Antonio Lagdameo hosted a reception to welcome the Filipino innovation leaders at the Philippine Embassy in London last 14 March. Ambassador Lagdameo and his guests were able to discuss about the innovation and research landscape in the Philippines and how innovation and entrepreneurship contribute to nation-building, among others.

The visiting Filipino innovators include Ma. Carmen Ablan Lagman, Mary Donnabelle Balela, DJ Darwin Bandoy, Glenn Navarra Baticados, Nilo Bugtai, Drexel Camacho, Clarissa Yvonne Domingo, Hidelisa Hernandez, Prospero Naval Jr, Jonathan Nayga, Arturo Ongkeko Jr, Edgar Orden, Chelo Pascua, Janice Ragaza, and Rosula Reyes. They were joined at the reception by Mahmoda Ali of the Royal Academy of Engineering as well as innovation mentors Harveen Chugh and Huw Edwards.  

The delegation was the third batch of Filipino innovators to be invited and sponsored by the Newton Agham Program for the said fellowship in London. They joined other innovators from other LIF partner countries including China and India, among others.  

The Leaders in Innovation Fellowship is a residential training program delivered by the Royal Academy of Engineering in London. It is offered to the best innovators and researchers who are selected on the basis of the excellence of their research, the potential of their innovation and their potential as entrepreneurs. 

The Newton Agham Program is an integral component of the UK British Council’s Newton Fund. This initiative aims to develop international science and innovation partnerships that promote the economic development and welfare of emerging powers such as the Philippines. END