PH honorary consul in Florida sworn into office

From left: Vice Consul and Administrative Officer Fides Quintos, Consul General Iric Arribas, Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon Jr., Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, Honorary Consul Sharol P. Noblejas, Norman Noblejas and Nicholas Noblejas. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON – Community leader Sharol P. Noblejas this week assumed her duties as the newly appointed Philippine honorary consul in Florida after taking her oath of office at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC.

The oath-taking ceremony was led by Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and attended by Sharol’s husband Norman Noblejas and son Nicholas as witnesses.

Also present were Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon Jr., Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas and Vice Consul and Administrative Officer Fides Quintos. Her consular post will be located in Jacksonville, Florida, with an area of jurisdiction covering the entire state of Florida.

Noblejas brings a wealth of experience to her new role, “having served in various capacities that have shaped her into an exceptional leader,” according to a press release from the Philippine Embassy.

“With a robust background spanning diverse sectors, including healthcare, IT project management and community service, Ms. Noblejas is poised to contribute to fostering stronger ties between the Philippines and the state of Florida,” the press release said.

“Her professional journey underscores her commitment to excellence and service. Her extensive experience in project management, financial oversight and stakeholder engagement will undoubtedly serve her well in her diplomatic responsibilities.”

Noblejas has served as a senior IT program manager at GuideWell Health, senior IT project manager at Florida Blue and client site manager and consultant at Leidos Health.

The Embassy said Noblejas, who has demonstrated her expertise in healthcare information management systems (HIMS), has played a pivotal role in assisting the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry delegation at the 2024 HIMSS Global Health Conference and Exhibition.

In addition to her professional achievements, Noblejas has been involved in community service, reflecting her passion for serving others and making a positive impact in the community.  She is president of Jax Filipinos and a Board member of several community and advocacy groups, and served as commissioner for the City of Jacksonville Housing and Community Development Commission from 2017 to 2023. She also chaired the Jacksonville Mayor’s Asian American Advisory Board since 2017 and currently serves as a Board member.

Noblejas obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from Orlando College, a Bachelor of Science in Medical Record Administration from the University of Central Florida and an Associate of Arts degree from the University of Florida. She is also a registered health information administrator.

“Florida is home to the largest Filipino community under the Embassy’s consular jurisdiction. We need someone like Ms. Noblejas, who is genuinely committed to serving the Filipino community and further strengthening the bonds of friendship between the Philippines and the United States,” Ambassador Romualdez said in his congratulatory remarks.

“Her leadership, integrity and passion for public service make her an invaluable addition to the Philippine diplomatic corps in her new capacity as Philippine honorary consul in Florida.”