Pru Life UK supports Dr. Juan Alfonso Tanghal as he pursues a master’s degree in health policy in the United Kingdom, with the goal of bringing new knowledge and perspectives to the Philippine healthcare system.
Improving healthcare takes more than medical expertise. It also requires people who understand how health systems are planned, funded, and delivered to the communities that need them most.
For Dr. Juan Alfonso Tanghal, a medical professional working in public health, this belief is guiding his next step: pursuing a Master of Science in Health Policy, Planning and Financing at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the United Kingdom as a Pru Life UK-sponsored Chevening Scholar for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Dr. Tanghal is among 13 Filipinos selected for the 43rd batch of Chevening Scholars, a prestigious UK Government scholarship programme that supports emerging leaders from around the world. The opportunity will allow him to deepen his understanding of health policy and financing while gaining perspectives that can help inform his work in the Philippines.
For Pru Life UK, supporting his academic journey is part of a broader commitment to helping talented Filipinos develop their potential and contribute to a healthier, more secure future for their fellow citizens.
Turning Public Health Experience Into Greater Impact
As a Medical Officer at the Department of Health’s Bureau of International Health Cooperation, Dr. Tanghal works on foreign-assisted health programmes in collaboration with development partners, including the Asian Development Bank, the Global Fund, and the United Nations Population Fund.
His professional experience also includes health operations at the Department of Health and research on health policy and systems at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
These roles have given him exposure to the many factors that shape healthcare delivery, from programme implementation to policy development and international cooperation.
His studies at LSE will build on his background in medicine, economics, public policy, and international development. By exploring how healthcare systems are planned and financed, he can further develop the knowledge needed to help address complex public health challenges.
The scholarship represents an opportunity to connect his frontline and policy experience with international learning—knowledge that may help inform future efforts to strengthen healthcare services in the Philippines.
Investing in People Who Can Make a Difference
For Pru Life UK President and CEO Sanjay Chakrabarty, Dr. Tanghal represents the kind of emerging leader whose education can create benefits beyond personal achievement.
“Chevening is about investing in people with the potential to turn knowledge into meaningful change, and that is what we see in Dr. Tanghal,” Chakrabarty said.
“Helping Filipinos live healthier, more secure lives has always been our purpose, and we’re proud to support someone whose work drives towards the same goal.”
Pru Life UK has supported the Chevening Scholarship programme in the Philippines since 2018, working with the British Government to help promising Filipino professionals pursue postgraduate studies at UK universities.
The partnership reflects the shared belief that education can open doors to new opportunities while equipping individuals with the skills and perspectives to contribute to their communities.
A Growing Legacy of Filipino Chevening Scholars
Over the years, more than 600 Filipinos have pursued postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom through Chevening. Its alumni network includes leaders from government, media, business, academia, and civil society, including journalist Howie Severino, former University of the Philippines president Danilo Concepcion, and diplomat Manuel Teehankee.
As part of the latest batch, Dr. Tanghal joins a wider community of professionals who have been given opportunities to expand their knowledge, build international connections, and explore new approaches to the challenges facing their home countries.
Chevening is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and partner organisations. Scholars receive support to complete a one-year master’s degree at a UK university while gaining academic, professional, and cultural experiences and joining a global network of alumni.
For Dr. Tanghal, the programme offers an important opportunity to advance his expertise in a field that directly affects people’s lives. For the Philippines, his continued development adds to a pool of professionals working to improve the country’s healthcare systems.
Bringing Global Learning Closer to Home
Pru Life UK’s support for Chevening also reflects its connection to the United Kingdom through its parent company, Prudential plc, which was founded in London in 1848.
Established in the Philippines in 1996, Pru Life UK continues to focus on helping Filipinos protect their financial futures and pursue their ambitions.
Through its scholarship partnership, the company is extending that commitment to education and leadership development, supporting professionals whose work aligns with the broader goal of improving people’s well-being.
Dr. Tanghal’s journey to LSE is therefore more than an academic milestone. It is an investment in the knowledge, skills, and fresh perspectives that can help shape future healthcare policies.
As he begins this new chapter, his experience serves as a reminder that developing future leaders is also about strengthening the communities they hope to serve. With continued learning and collaboration, the knowledge gained abroad can help inform meaningful progress back home.
