Louise Sky T. Olaguer, Program Head/National Coordinator, Digital and Frontier Technologies for Health Program, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Philippines
By Marion Paul
Meet the Women in GovTech 2024.
Louise Sky T. Olaguer, Program Head/National Coordinator, Digital and Frontier Technologies for Health Program, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Philippines, shares her journey. Image: Louise Sky T. Olaguer
1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation.
I work at the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) which serves as the national coordinator for health research and development initiatives in the country.
We fund/support health-related research projects, ensuring that their outputs – such as products, technologies, or policy recommendations – serve the best interests of the Filipino people.
While we do not directly develop these technologies or policies ourselves, we play an essential role in ensuring the results of these projects are translated into actionable policies that can guide healthcare decisions and improve the overall health system at the national level.
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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year?
This year, the most impactful task I’ve focused on is aligning all digital health initiatives with the goals of national agencies driving digital transformation.
As the Philippines progresses towards digitalisation in healthcare, we ensure every Filipino benefits, even those in the most remote areas.
It is quite a challenge because of the country’s archipelagic nature, but it is also an exciting opportunity to make healthcare more accessible to all.
3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?
One thing I learned this year was to cut out distractions and focus on what truly matters – whether it's work, relationships, or personal growth.
This helped me to become more attentive and effective. It’s all about allocating my energy to things that truly matter and can help me move forward.
In doing that, I also deepened my relationships with the people who support me and with whom I can grow with.
4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025?
I'm looking forward to diving deeper into project management tools.
Our team is using one right now, but I want to explore its features more to ensure it’s the right fit for our needs, especially when it comes to managing government-funded projects.
These tools may hopefully assist us in staying on top of tasks and deadlines, making our team more agile and efficient.
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5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.
In my opinion, AI is a powerful tool that can assist us in doing tasks faster and more efficiently. In the public sector, AI can improve decision-making, analyse data, or even enhance services.
On the other hand, we need to be careful about how we use AI because it is also a responsibility.
There is also a need for clear ethical guidelines so it would not replace human judgment or even make biased decisions. Yes, AI can help us, but it needs to complement (and not replace) humans.
6. What are your priorities for 2025?
My priority in the first quarter of 2025 is to finish my graduate studies.
It’s been a long journey and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed me off track, but I’m almost there!
Once done, I want to make more time for my loved ones. They have been incredibly supportive and I owe them a lot.
On the professional side, I want to keep pushing forward with digital health initiatives and help bring more solutions to the healthcare system of the Philippines, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators?
A few months ago, I was driving through a rural area and noticed small hospitals - just enough to serve a few patients in the community.
There were limited transportation options, poorly developed roads, and schools that only supported primary education.
This is why so many people travel to the city for better healthcare and education! I realised just how risky it is for residents to access essential services, especially with poor infrastructure.
So, for public sector innovators, there is a huge opportunity and responsibility to take innovation beyond the cities.
Professionals and experts are already concentrated in urban areas. Go to rural communities, share your knowledge, and empower the younger generation.
Ensure that your initiatives are not just short-term fixes but have a lasting impact by training locals to develop their own solutions.
Also, always keep the end-users in mind. Will your innovations truly reach and benefit the most vulnerable populations? How will your work impact their lives for years to come?
8. Who inspires you today?
When I read this question, the first people who came to my mind were my parents.
My father, who recently passed away, taught me the value of hard work and determination. He was a "go-getter" – always pushing himself to succeed and never backing down from a challenge.
He was also a "risk-taker" – willing to take chances to reach his goals. I take risks too, but I try to make them "calculated risks" – weighing all the options to ensure they are worth taking.
My mother inspires me in so many ways as well. She is incredibly hardworking and never gives up. From her, I learned resilience.
She also taught me to make wise decisions in life, ensuring that problems do not keep me down for long.