A true academician and esteemed public intellectual, Dr. Lourdes Tanhueco-Nepomuceno is a Filipino with Chinese ancestry who takes pride in her bicultural roots. She was born and raised in Angeles, Pampanga, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Education, major in English and General Science, Cum Laude. Her inherent passion for knowledge and learning led her to years of further study in the field of education, to wit: Masters of Education degree in Communication Arts (Reading) from the University of the Philippines-Diliman; a Post-Masteral degree in School Administration and Supervision, with distinction, at the Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, major in Educational Management and Leadership, obtained at the De La Salle University in Manila.

Backed by her robust academic training and relevant professional, corporate and international experiences both in private and public sectors, Dr. Nepomuceno is a visionary in her own right. This enabled her to anticipate the needs and demands of emergent realities in a globalized world. In an era where China is no longer viewed as another player but a formidable force to reckon with in globalization, Dr. Nepomuceno employs her knowledge and passion in aiding communities to bridge major socio-cultural gaps through language and communication arts. Being herself a product of two cultures, Filipino and Chinese, not only makes her appreciate her roots but also enables her to navigate her way into advancing her passion for education. Hence in 2009, in her hometown at Angeles, Pampanga, Dr. Nepomuceno co-established the Confucius Institute at the Angeles University Foundation. Among others, the institute promotes an understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and the teaching of the Mandarin language. In 2015, Dr. Nepomuceno was welcomed by the University of the Philippines-Diliman to lead the establishment of the Confucius Institute. Over the years, Dr. Nepomuceno has built up many ties with government entities, city colleges, and universities, as well as the private sector, to the extent that the Confucius Institute at the University of the Philippines-Diliman has now the broadest outreach in Mandarin lessons. In both setups, Dr. Nepomuceno holds the distinction of being the pioneer Filipino Director.

It is also noteworthy that her commitment to education and advocacy for the appreciation of the Chinese language and culture have also benefited Philippine society. Specifically, during the term of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC, Dr. Nepomuceno initiated and advanced the inclusion of the Mandarin language in the K-12 curriculum of the Department of Education as a Special Program in Foreign Language. The program greatly facilitates the diversification of the skillsets of Filipinos and provides them headway in employment and/or overall personal development.

It is for these efforts that the Association for Philippine-China Understanding (APCU) and the Award for Promoting Philippine-China Understanding (APPCU) recognize Dr. Lourdes Tanhueco-Nepomuceno as an inspiration and wealth to Philippine society and the global Filipino and Chinese communities.