Manila, June 11, 2021 — At least 80 Filipinos accepted to U.S. universities signed up for EducationUSA Philippines’ second virtual Pre-departure Orientation (PDO) on Thursday, June 10. A real-time survey during the free event revealed that more than half of the participants had received financial aid offers from their respective schools, amounting to more than …
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Manila, June 11, 2021 — On June 10, the United States welcomed the successful arrival to the Philippines of 2,282,850 doses of the U.S. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the biggest shipment to date. And in the weeks and months ahead, ever-increasing quantities of much-needed vaccines will continue to arrive. This shipment will be shared between the cities of …
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Manila, June 9, 2021 – On June 9, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law, representing the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Dr. Benjamin Diokno signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in education, research, and training. This is the first partnership between PAEF, also known as the …
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Manila, June 7, 2021 — On June 4, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and Palawan State University (PSU) launched American Corner (AC) Puerto Princesa with the virtual signing of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding between U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Philip Roskamp and PSU President Dr. Ramon Docto. This partnership provides Palawan with …
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COVID-19 Information Last updated:06/07/2021 All airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding …
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Manila, May 28, 2021— As the United States marks its 75th year of diplomatic relations with the Republic of the Philippines, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have agreed to advance their cooperation to protect the Philippines’ rich natural resources and improve access …
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Manila, May 28, 2021 — The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) welcomed 30 young Filipino leaders into the first-ever Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed) 2021 Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) fellowship. Created by USAID and The Asia Foundation, the LEAD fellowship trains youth to become champions of democratic values, participatory governance, and civic engagement. …
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Manila, May 27, 2021— The leading development assistance agencies of the United States of America and the Republic of Korea have agreed to pursue joint development projects in the Philippines to boost the country’s climate resilience and address ocean plastic pollution. The partnership is a result of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United …
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Manila, May 19, 2021—The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), signed a partnership with the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to enhance entrepreneurship training programs for Filipino out-of-school youth.
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Manila, May 19, 2021 – The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Public Affairs Section, through EducationUSA, and the U.S. Commercial Service Office invited more than 150 Filipino education agents and guidance counselors to a virtual training on the U.S. college application process on Friday, May 14. The panel discussion and workshop included presentations from experienced …
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Manila, May 19, 2021 — On May 14, QBO Innovation Hub and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines concluded “InQbation: The Take Off,” an incubation program that supports startup founders with disruptive ideas enabled by technology. The startups focused on technological responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between December 2020 and May 2021, 13 startups based …
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Manila, May 14, 2021 — U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) instructors conducted three training courses for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) from March 8 to May 14, 2021 to strengthen maritime law enforcement capabilities. The training series included a two-week Boarding Officer Course, a two-week Outboard Motor Maintenance training, and a four-week Small Boat Operations event, …
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Manila, May 11, 2021 — On April 22, U.S. military service members in Mindanao and Luzon began the delivery of nearly Php5.7 million ($118,700) worth of personal protective equipment and medical supplies to local partners battling COVID-19 in provinces across the Philippines. The supplies include protective equipment such as disposable gloves, goggles, face shields, disinfectant …
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Manila, May 10, 2021 — The United States welcomes the successful May 10 arrival to the Philippines of 193,050 doses of the U.S. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, one of the safest and most effective vaccines in the world. This delivery is the first tranche of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines and follows the arrival of 2,030,400 doses of the AstraZeneca …
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Manila, May 10, 2021 – The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) collaborated with the Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program to launch a unique, 10-day training series for law enforcers with drug prevention education responsibilities. The ultimate goal of the …
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Manila, May 8, 2021 — The United States welcomes the May 8 arrival of two million additional doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to the Philippines. This is the third shipment of vaccines made available through the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, a global initiative to support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The United States already has donated …
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Manila, May 7, 2021 — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched four new projects worth Php280 million ($5.7 million) to promote locally-led development solutions in the Philippines.
Read More» Manila, May 7, 2021 – The United States and the Philippines participated in a virtual Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) workshop last week to demonstrate their shared commitment to preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Through briefings and discussions of regional proliferation issues, as well as maritime scenario discussions, the United States and …
Read More» United States Embassy Manila, Philippines United States Consular Agency Cebu, Philippines April 29, 2021 Health Alert: NCR and Neighboring Areas Continue Under MECQ Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal will continue to be under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) through May 14, 2021. Actions to Take: Monitor the Philippine Department of Health website and the Embassy’s COVID-19 webpage for updated information about conditions in the …
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Manila, April 29, 2021 — On April 29, senior U.S. and Philippine government officials conducted the final high-level dialogue to mark accomplishments and outline next steps after the conclusion of the four-year U.S.-Philippines Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership.
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Manila, April 28, 2021 — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has awarded nearly Php12 million ($244,000) to five Philippine universities for research and innovation during the pandemic.
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Manila, April 28, 2021 — As part of this year’s Earth Day celebration, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and Save the Philippine Seas, a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, launched the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Marine Accelerator Program (YSEALI MAP) on April 22. The program will train 62 youth leaders of 33 marine conservation …
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Manila, April 27, 2021 – U.S. soldiers from the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) arrived in the Philippines last month to conduct their first-ever partner training rotation with the Philippine Army, with bilateral training events taking place April to June 2021, in strict adherence to Philippine government COVID-19 safety protocols. Engagements will take place …
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Manila, April 23, 2021 – Service members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States Armed Forces concluded the 36th iteration of Balikatan Exercise on Friday, April 23 with a small ceremony held at the General Headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
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Manila, April 15, 2021 – The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing the Philippines Php170 million ($3.5 million) to support the Department of Health (DOH) in its COVID-19 vaccination rollout. This new assistance, which brings total U.S. government support for the Philippines’ COVID-19 response to nearly Php1.3 …
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Manila, April 12, 2021 – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States Military opened the 36th Balikatan Exercise (BK36-21) in a ceremony held Monday, April 12.
Read More» (first published here ) The below is attributable to U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr. Both expressed their shared concerns with the massing of People’s Republic of China (PRC) maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea, including at Whitsun …
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Manila, April 7, 2021 — The leading development agencies of the United States and the Republic of Korea on Wednesday, April 7, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance development cooperation in the Philippines.
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Manila, March 26, 2021 — United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Acting Administrator Gloria Steele on Thursday, March 25, congratulated participants of the 14th Philippine National Education Summit for achieving landmark national policy reforms that have improved education governance through a partnership with USAID. During her keynote address, Steele noted that nearly 3 million early grade learners in the Philippines benefitted …
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Manila, March 25, 2021 – In observance of World TB Day, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is partnering with the Department of Health (DOH) National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), Center for Health Development (CHD) – CALABARZON, and Fujifilm Philippines to improve tuberculosis (TB) case finding among hard-to-reach populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. USAID Philippines Office of Health Director Michelle …
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Manila, March 24, 2021 — In celebration of World Water Day, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched on Tuesday, March 23 two partnerships to increase access to clean, safe, water and sanitation services in the Philippines.
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Manila, March 23, 2021 – On March 22, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) launched a new six-week virtual webinar training series on “Teaching Grammar Communicatively in the Philippines” for DepEd teachers and supervisors. More than 3,700 DepEd teachers and supervisors will participate in the series, which will run through the week of May …
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Manila, March 19, 2021 – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) signed a Php37-million ($740,000) partnership with the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association Inc. (PCTA) and canned goods producer Permex that will provide training and employment opportunities for more than 1,000 unemployed and out-of-school youth in the CALABARZON region and Zamboanga City. The …
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Manila, March 16, 2021 — On March 15, representatives from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Defense, and U.S. Coast Guard joined Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNP-MG) Director, Police Brigadier General John Mitchell Jamili, for the handover of Php3.65 million ($75,000) in U.S.-funded equipment at the PNP-MG Headquarters at Camp Crame, …
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Manila, March 11, 2021 — The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd), signed a new, five-year bilateral assistance agreement valued at more than Php4.8 billion ($100 million) to improve basic education outcomes in the Philippines. Through this agreement, USAID and DepEd continue and …
Read More» Manila, March 10, 2021 – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) released on March 9 the results of a study which quantified illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Philippines. The report identifies what more should be done to eradicate IUU fishing in Philippine waters. IUU …
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Manila, March 5, 2021 – To mark World Wildlife Day and strengthen the Philippine government’s wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) turned over on March 2 a new wildlife ambulance to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This turnover was part of USAID’s Php1.2-billion Protect Wildlife …
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Manila, March 5, 2021 – The United States welcomes the successful arrival of 487,200 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to the Philippines on Thursday, March 4. These vaccines were made available through the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, a global initiative to support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The United States already has donated Php97.2 billion ($2 billion) to COVAX, by far the largest contribution, to ensure the Philippines and other …
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Manila, February 24, 2021 — U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law congratulated Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto on his selection as one of 12 global anti-corruption champions by the U.S. Department of State. The award recognizes Mayor Sotto’s commitment to transparency initiatives both as a Pasig city councilor and as mayor. In 2018, then-Pasig city councilor Sotto spent a month at the Des Moines …
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Statement by National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Call with National Security Advisor Hermogenes Esperon of the Philippines (first published here ) National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke by phone on February 12 with National Security Advisor Hermogenes Esperon of the Philippines. The National Security Advisors welcomed the 70th anniversary …
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Manila, February 22, 2021 – As part of the United States’ ongoing commitment to support the Philippine government’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan during the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) turned over 371 laptop computers worth more than Php16 million ($333,000) to the Department of Education (DepEd). At a ceremony …
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Manila, February 19, 2021 – Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) John Law, alongside representatives from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG), on Thursday turned over the first of two C-130H Hercules Aircraft to be delivered under a recent transfer to Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Philippine Air Force (PAF) …
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Manila, Philippines – On February 16, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for technical assistance to upgrade its digital infrastructure and enhance citizen services for millions of Filipinos. USTDA’s assistance continues a successful, decades-long partnership that has advanced priority information and communications technology infrastructure …
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Manila, February 17, 2021 – On February 16, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) marked the successful completion of its E-PESO project in the Philippines. Over the past six years, the project has promoted broad-based economic growth and financial inclusion by significantly increasing the use of digital payments in the Philippines. During the …
Read More» Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippines Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana held an introductory phone call during which they discussed a number of priority of bilateral defense issues for both countries.
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Manila, February 4, 2021 — In response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Affairs Staff of the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) teamed up with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines for the “eLearning Essentials: Responding and Reimagining Education in the Philippines” project, the country’s first international collaboration on flexible learning. …
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Manila, February 3, 2021 – The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Philippine National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) signed a new, five-year bilateral assistance agreement valued at more than Php7.25 billion ($150 million) to protect the Philippine environment. Through this agreement, the United States and the Philippines deepen …
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Manila, February 2, 2021 — From January 28 to 31, members of the U.S. Civilian Military Support Element – Philippines (CMSE PHL) conducted Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Training for Philippine Coast Guard District Palawan (CGDPAL) personnel and the crews of PCG vessels across Palawan as part of the Coast Guard’s Surface Support Force (CGSSF) …
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Manila, February 2, 2021 – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) Foundation formalized a media partnership to promote marine conservation in the Philippines. The partnership will target coastal communities that rely on radio as a source of information and entertainment in the Visayan region, the country’s seafood capital …
Read More» Manila, January 29, 2021 – Led by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the United States and the Philippines conducted a virtual Subject Matter Expert Exchange on Counter Threat Network collaboration from January 18 to 22. The goal of the exchange was to share best practices, knowledge, skills, and abilities related …
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Manila, January 29, 2021 – Today, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), partnered with the Philippine government and other development partners to launch the second phase of the Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR OVP SIA).
Read More» READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE JANUARY 27, 2021 (State.gov link: https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinkens-call-with-philippine-secretary-of-foreign-affairs-locsin/ ) The below is attributable to U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr. Secretary Blinken and Secretary Locsin reaffirmed that a strong U.S.-Philippine Alliance is vital to a free and open …
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Manila, January 22, 2021 – On January 22, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Director Kelia Cummins joined Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, Jr., DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau Officer-in-Charge and Assistant Director Amelita DJ. Ortiz, and United Nations Office on Drugs and …
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Manila, January 21, 2021 — On Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines joined Team iNON for the launch of ISDApp, a one-of-a-kind community app that will communicate important safety and weather information to fisherfolk who do not have smartphones or mobile internet. The launch was co-sponsored by Globe Telecom, the Bureau of Fisheries and …
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Manila, January 15, 2021 — On January 12 and 13, the United States Civil Military Support Element – Philippines (CMSE PHL), in partnership with the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) – Zambales, conducted training for 25 first responders in Masinloc, Zambales. First responders from the Masinloc Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Masinloc …
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Manila, January 14, 2021 – The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program, has awarded grants worth nearly Php42 million ($890,000) to five organizations in support of local solutions that address ocean plastics pollution.
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Manila, January 12, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction program of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), in partnership with the Philippine Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Animal Industry, and the local Cagayan community, completed the construction and commissioning of a zoonotic disease diagnostic laboratory in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The …
Read More» I would like to thank our many Philippine friends who reached out to us in the wake of the violence at the U.S. Capitol. Your heartfelt messages of support remind us that the friendship between our peoples remains strong. Leaders across our political spectrum have condemned last week’s criminal behavior and called for accountability. As …
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From Resilience to Recovery By U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law During his 1946 inaugural address, President Manual Roxas told a newly independent Philippines and the world, “We have yet a greater bulwark today…the friendship and devotion of America.” For three quarters of a century, Americans and Filipinos have met and overcome adversity together. As 2020 closes, …
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On December 19, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines recognized the achievements of Filipino youth organizations making a positive impact on their communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters of 2020 with the YOUnified Awards Night. The winning organizations will receive a plaque and Php 50,000 grants ($1,030) from the U.S. Embassy to bolster their community initiatives.
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Manila, December 18, 2020 — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy’s American Spaces Philippines, launched on December 18 FAB LABs Philippines, a makerspace network of nineteen FAB LAB …
Read More» Manila, December 18, 2020 — On December 17, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines hosted a virtual meeting between U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral George Ursabia, Jr. to informally discuss an array of topics, including current training programs and regional cooperation in Southeast Asia. Each …
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Manila, December 16, 2020 — As part of its support to strengthen wildlife law enforcement and protection in the Philippines, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided essential equipment and supplies to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to boost its work in combating wildlife trafficking and providing holistic care for …
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Manila, December 16, 2020 — From December 5 to 8, members of the U.S. Civilian Military Support Element – Philippines (CMSE PHL) provided medical humanitarian assistance and conducted a first responder training in El Nido, Palawan alongside Philippine partners.
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In support of U.S.-Philippine cooperation to enhance maritime law enforcement capability, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) instructors conducted a Small Boat Operations course for 16 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) participants in Manila from November 16 to December 11, 2020.
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Manila, December 8, 2020 — Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller met with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. on December 8. While in Manila, he announced the recent transfer of Php1.4 billion ($29.3 million) in defense articles, including sniper and anti-IED equipment, to senior Philippine military officials. The visit demonstrates the …
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U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law, U.S. Department of State Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Education and Cultural Affairs Matthew Lussenhop, and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. deliver remarks during the online launch of the IVLP 80th Anniversary Week Celebration. Manila, December 8, 2020 — On December 7, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. led …
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Manila, December 7, 2020 — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) have teamed up with Aboitiz Construction and D. M. Consunji, Inc. (DMCI) – two of the biggest construction companies in the country – to provide free technical and vocational training to over 5,000 youth across …
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BOC Commissioner Leonardo B. Guerrero (left) showcases the donated equipment along with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Country Attaché Christopher Adduci (center) and U.S. Embassy Director for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Kelia Cummins (right). Manila, December 3, 2020 — On December 3, representatives from the U.S. Department of State’s Office of International Narcotics and …
Read More» Manila, December 1, 2020 – In observance of World AIDS Day, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announced the launch of a new President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-funded program, which will begin this month. Through PEPFAR, the U.S. government has committed more than Php875 million ($18.2 million) over two years for U.S.-Philippines bilateral …
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Manila, November 30, 2020 – This week, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)-organized 3rd National Conference of the Anti-Drug Abuse Coalitions of the Philippines, Inc. (AADAC) will take place, in partnership with the Dangerous Drugs Board and Department of Interior and Local Government. INL is providing Php1.6 …
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Manila, November 27, 2020 – From October 20 to November 19, the U.S. government, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), facilitated a series of virtual Chemical Security Regulatory Development workshops for representatives of more than seven Philippine government agencies that comprise the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear …
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Manila, November 27, 2020 – On November 25, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), in collaboration with the Dangerous Drugs Board and the Colombo Plan, virtually launched a new program designed to strengthen drug demand initiatives in the Philippines by supporting four outreach and drop in centers …
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Manila, November 25, 2020 — U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett met with Undersecretary for the Department of National Defense (DND) Cardozo Luna and senior Philippine military officials on Wednesday, November 25, in Manila. Secretary Barrett’s visit reaffirms the United States’ steadfast military partnership with the Philippines, the oldest U.S. treaty ally in …
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Manila, November 25, 2020 — Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Kimberly Kelly and representatives from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) turned over a ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to the Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, …
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Manila, November 23, 2020 —U.S. National Security Advisor (NSA) Robert C. O’Brien met with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr., Secretary of Finance Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez, National Security Advisor Hermogenes Esperon, Undersecretary for the Department of National Defense (DND) Cardozo Luna and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief …
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Manila, November 20, 2020 — Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Policy in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Aleisha Woodward joined a virtual panel discussion on Thursday, November 19, with the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) and Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. The United States celebrates GEW every year …
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(Left to right) USAID Project Management Specialist Joanne Dulce, National Economic and Development Authority Assistant Director General Roderick Planta, USAID Acting Mission Director Patrick Wesner, Safe Water Chief of Party Alma Porciuncula, USAID Environment Office Chief John Edgar, and Safe Water Deputy Chief of Party Jim Orpreocio during the MOU signing to promote water security …
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Manila, November 19, 2020 – Through the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. government, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) launched on Wednesday, November 18 the first-ever project on “Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on At-Risk Communities” in the Philippines in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) …
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On November 17 and 18, the Philippine Army and U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) will host the 44th annual Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS), the largest land forces seminar in the Indo-Pacific region. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 20 countries from across the region will participate in this years’ conference virtually.
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Manila, November 17, 2020 — Every November, the United States celebrates International Education Week (IEW) to promote greater student exchange and academic collaboration. During this IEW, we mark a year of significant achievements in strengthening U.S.-Philippine higher education cooperation through expanded university linkages and student mobility. At the core of our successful education cooperation is …
Read More» Manila, November 12, 2020 – We welcome the Government of the Philippines’ November 11 decision to suspend termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) for another six months. The U.S.-Philippines alliance remains vital to our robust, deep-rooted bilateral relationship. The United States will continue to partner closely with the Philippines to strengthen our mutual security …
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November 6, 2020 – The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide Php9.7 million ($200,000) to support the Philippine government’s efforts to assist families hardest hit by Super Typhoon Rolly. More than 2 million people were affected by the typhoon, and over 1 million Filipinos are currently in government evacuation …
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Manila, November 3, 2020 — In celebration of National Literacy Month in October, EducationUSA Philippines staged a series of educational programs designed to enhance college application literacy throughout the Philippines. On October 13, EducationUSA hosted its first virtual graduate studies fair in which 25 U.S. graduate school representatives met with 215 prospective students on Zoom. …
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Manila, October 30, 2020 — Admiral Philip Davidson, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and General Gilbert Gapay, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led the 2020 Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) on October 29, held virtually for the first time due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The …
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Manila, October 28, 2020 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines launched the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) by launching a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) with more than 150 women entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners in the Philippines. AWE is part of the White House-led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative to …
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Manila, October 22, 2020 — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), and the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines (OVP) today launched a partnership to provide free technical-vocational skills and employability training for over 1,000 unemployed and out-of-school Filipino youth. The OVP, through its TrabaHOPE …
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Manila, October 20, 2020 — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided an additional Php170 million ($3.5 million) to bolster the Philippine government’s capacity to help protect high risk communities against the impacts of natural disasters. USAID will assist communities in Metro Manila, Northern Samar, and Maguindanao provinces …
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(Clockwise from top left) USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II, Executive Director Francis Bernard Israel Batoy of the Bohol Integrated Development Foundation, Inc., Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. Founder and President Charlito Manlupig, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. President Cecile Alcantara, and Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II formalize …
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Manila, October 16, 2020 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with the American Corner at Ateneo de Davao University, hosted the 2020 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Apps Challenge in Davao October 2 to 4. The three-day program opened with a “virtual data boot camp” featuring mentors from the U.S. …
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Manila, October 13, 2020 — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided an additional Php73 million ($1.5 million) in food assistance to support displaced families in Lanao del Sur province. This brings the total U.S. commitment to humanitarian and recovery work in and around Marawi to more than …
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Manila, October 7, 2020 — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), turned over 150 laptop computers, printers, projectors, and 80 sets of learning materials to the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, October 6, as part of the United States’ ongoing commitment to support the Philippine government’s Basic Education …
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Hanggang Sa Muli: An Unforgettable Four Years By U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim It is with a heavy but full heart that I bid farewell to the Philippines, my home for the last four years. As I think back to my November 2016 swearing in, I recall vividly the immense pride I felt …
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Manila, September 29, 2020 — On Friday, September 18, 126 representatives from Philippine and U.S. universities met for a virtual partnerships fair hosted by EducationUSA and the Commission on Higher Education International Affairs Staff (CHED-IAS). At the event, university presidents and senior officials from 68 Philippine schools and 45 U.S. institutions heard from the U.S. …
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Manila, September 18, 2020 — As part of the ongoing AdaptPH campaign, alumni of the U.S. State Department Young Southeast Asian leaders Initiative (YSEALI) produced informational materials on COVID-19 in Filipino, Hiligaynon, and Cebuano languages. AdaptPH is a U.S. Embassy in the Philippines-funded nationwide information campaign that encourages Filipinos to observe public safety protocols to …
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Manila, September 18, 2020 — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has forged a new partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), and the Philippine private sector to empower Filipina entrepreneurs. Together with Facebook, Shopee, and Lazada, USAID’s “Connecting Women Entrepreneurs to …
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Manila, September 17, 2020 – The United States, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) continues to support the government and people of the Philippines through a donation of a newly constructed Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) in the city of Tarlac. The laboratory will conduct surveillance and testing on local agricultural samples from …
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Manila, September 17, 2020 — U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim today visited the Delpan Quarantine Facility in Tondo, Manila, to hand over 5,000 hygiene kits and 16 handwashing stations to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno in support of the city government’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. “The U.S. government is a friend, partner, and ally of …
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Manila, September 14, 2020 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), on Monday launched a new virtual series for teachers and educators in support of the country’s transition to digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio and U.S. Embassy …
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Manila, September 2, 2020 — The U.S. and Philippine governments launched on Wednesday, September 2, a workshop attended by 135 participants to measure and understand the negative impacts of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the country. Supported by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the United States Agency for International …
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Manila, August 28, 2020 — The United States donated 100 new, state-of-the-art ventilators and associated supplies to the Philippines to assist its fight against COVID-19. U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque led the handover of the ventilators at Malacañang Palace on Friday, August 28. The donation …
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Manila, August 26, 2020 — The U.S. government donated personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene kits to support Davao City’s efforts to address COVID-19. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim handed over the items to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio during a virtual event on Wednesday, August 26. USAID, together with U.S. company Procter …
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Manila, August 19, 2020 — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a new project that will support the education, employment, and livelihood needs of at least 180,000 out-of-school youth across the Philippines. Through the five-year, Php1.9 billion ($37.5 million) Opportunity 2.0: Second-chance Opportunities for Out-of-school Youth project, the …
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Manila, August 11, 2020 — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched the Philippines Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (SIBOL) project that will support the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources and combat environmental crimes. The five-year, Php1.1 billion ($22 million) project will provide support to the Philippine government …
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Manila, August 7, 2020 — EducationUSA Philippines prepared 78 Filipino students to begin their studies at U.S. universities during its first-ever virtual pre-departure orientation (PDO) on Thursday, August 6. At the virtual event, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim welcomed students and thanked them for the contributions they will make to U.S. classrooms and campuses. “Each student …
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Manila, Philippines, August 3, 2020 — In response to the continued challenges posed by the pandemic, alumni of the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) launched AdaptPH, a nationwide campaign encouraging Filipinos to observe public protocols that help prevent the spread of COVID-19. AdaptPH’s website (www.adapt.ph) offers free downloadable information kits for local governments, public …
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Manila, July 27, 2020 – U.S. Army and Marine Corps service members delivered an additional Php11.4 million ($230,600) in personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies to hospitals in 11 cities across the Philippines, working in partnership with the Philippine Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard. This new donation brings total U.S. government COVID-19 assistance …
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Manila, July 22, 2020 — More than 250 Filipinos interested in pursuing LL.M. (Master of Laws) degrees at world-class U. S. law schools attended EducationUSA Philippines’ first-ever virtual law university fair on Saturday, July 18. At the free virtual event, the following 15 U.S. law schools gave real-time admissions advice, industry insights, information on in-person …
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Manila, July 20, 2020 – The United States, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is distributing Php14.8 million ($300,000) worth of regionally-manufactured personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and COVID-19 treatment centers across the Philippines. This latest donation brings …
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The Philippines’ Future Floats in the West Philippine Sea By U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim The waters of the South China Sea are home to a dizzying array of marine resources, ranging from vast oil and gas reserves deep beneath the surface to the complex and beautiful ecosystems capable of supporting international seafood …
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U.S. Independence Day: Foundational Freedoms for the Future By U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim On this day, 244 years ago, America gained her independence after a hard-fought campaign to secure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This year, instead of a typical July 4 celebration – enjoying a barbeque under a sky of blazing …
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Manila, June 26, 2020 – On June 23, the U.S. Embassy’s Department of Justice – Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (DOJ-OPDAT) and its Philippine Department of Justice partners hosted a virtual regional counterterrorism conference. More than 70 prosecutors, investigators, and judges from the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and …
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Manila, June 18, 2020 — The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing Php126 million ($2.5 million) to help the Philippine government’s implementation of the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan to advance education delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the COVID-19 emergency began, USAID and the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) …
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Manila, June 17, 2020 – The United States, through the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), led a two-week molecular biology training to strengthen the COVID-19 testing capabilities of Philippine medical technologists. From June 1 to June 12, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Philippines-AFRIMS Virology Research Unit (PAVRU) trained four medical laboratory technologists …
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Manila, June 9, 2020 – On June 4, the United States, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), presented a donation of Php54.8 million ($1.1 million) in sustainment supplies to the Special Response Units of the Philippine Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) National Headquarters in Quezon City. The supplies will assist the BFP in fulfilling …
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Manila, June 5, 2020 – The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announced today that the U.S. government is providing an additional Php201 million ($4 million) to help support vulnerable populations in Mindanao in the fight against COVID-19, bringing the total amount of U.S. pandemic assistance to the Philippines to over Php978 million ($19.5 million) . On June 2, U.S. …
Read More» Manila, June 2, 2020 — On June 1, the Government of the Philippines notified the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines of its decision to suspend termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement. The United States welcomes the Philippine government’s decision. Our long-standing alliance has benefited both countries, and we look forward to continued close security and …
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Manila, June 1, 2020 — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is supporting Philippine government efforts to help Filipino farmers transport their produce to key markets and address urgent food security issues. USAID worked closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the …
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Effective June 1, 2020, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines will change its banking partner to Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) from Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). Visa applicants should pay the non-refundable, non-transferable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee at any RCBC branch. To find an RCBC branch, please visit their website at …
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Manila, May 25, 2020 – On Memorial Day, the United States and the Philippines are one in honoring the Filipinos and Americans who served valiantly during the liberation of the Philippines in World War II. In a video message, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana honored the men and …
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The U.S. government and U.S. companies continue to support our Philippine #FriendsPartnersAllies in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Manila, May 20, 2020 — More than 120 Filipino students and working professionals participated in the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ second annual EducationUSA Media Summit on May 14. The virtual event featured speakers from the New York Film Academy (NYFA) and University of Southern California (USC), and covered college application strategies and communication and …
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Manila, May 19, 2020 – Service members from the U.S. Army, Marines, and Air Force delivered over Php10 million ($203,000) in personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies to hospitals in ten provinces across the Philippines, working in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, Army, Marines, and Air Force. This new donation brings total U.S. …
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Manila, May 18, 2020 – The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), formally launched the “ReliefAgad” web application on May 14 to speed up the distribution of financial assistance to Filipinos affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of …
Read More» Manila, May 13, 2020 – Officials from the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., Department of Justice in the Philippines, and a Philippine Judge participated in a virtual workshop on counterterrorism hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (DOJ-OPDAT) in the Philippines on May 11. The …
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Manila, May 12, 2020 – The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has developed an online platform to enable Filipino fisherfolk to sell their produce to consumers amid the ongoing COVID-19 community quarantine. Created as part of USAID’s Fish Right project, Fish Tiangge is an online marketplace that can connect …
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Manila, May 7, 2020 – The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announced today that the U.S. government is providing an additional Php298 million ($5.9 million) to help support the Philippines in the fight against COVID-19, bringing the total amount of U.S. pandemic assistance to the Philippines to more than Php768 million ($15.2 million). As part …
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Manila, May 5, 2020 — EducationUSA, the U.S. government’s official source of information on U.S. higher education, in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED), held the fourth installment of its year-long program, “Pathways to Opportunity: EdUSA-CHED Speaker Series on Internationalization,” on Wednesday, April 29. More than 90 CHED officials, university presidents, directors, …
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Our Enduring Partnership: Working Together To Defeat COVID-19 by U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim Today’s global pandemic severely affects public health, economies and our daily lives. Yet even in these trying times, the resilience and courage of the Philippine people continue to inspire me. From the terrorist attack on Marawi, through devastating …
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Manila, April 22, 2020 — The U.S. government approved an additional Php269 million ($5.3 million) in health and humanitarian assistance to help support the Philippines in the fight against COVID-19, bringing total U.S. assistance to the Philippines to more than Php470 million ($9.3 million). The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), …
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Manila, April 10, 2020 — U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim announced today the U.S. government’s donation of nearly 1,300 new cots to support the Philippine government’s response to COVID-19. Ambassador Kim stated, “I’m pleased to be able to hand over these new cots, on behalf of the U.S. government, to our Philippine partners. We stand together with …
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Manila, March 17, 2020 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announced today that the U.S. government has committed more than Php139 million ($2.7 million) to support the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) in its response to COVID-19 in the country. The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will collaborate with …
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Manila, March 9, 2020 — As part of ongoing U.S.-Philippine cooperation to enhance maritime law enforcement capability, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) instructors conducted a Small Boat Operations course for eight Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) participants in Manila from February 24 to March 6. “It’s a great exchange of professional knowledge between USCG and PCG. It …
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(L-R) U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim joins Chona Torre, Senior Vice President, Human Capital Group, McDonald’s Philippines; Kenneth Yang, President and CEO, McDonald’s Philippines; Dr. George Yang, Chairman and Founder, McDonald’s Philippines; Love Basillote, Executive Director, PBEd; USAID Philippines’ Education Specialist Mir Tillah; Ramon del Rosario, Chair, PBED; Department of Labor and Employment Director Dominique Rubia-Tutay …
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Manila, March 6, 2020 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have teamed up to launch a nationwide campaign to combat drug use in the country. During a ceremony hosted by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday, March 5, PDEA National Capital Region (NCR) Director Joel Plaza …
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Manila, March 5, 2020 — EducationUSA, the U.S. government’s official resource for students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States, welcomed representatives of 26 accredited U.S. universities and colleges to its annual university fairs in Manila and Cebu on February 27 and 28, respectively. Nearly 1,100 students, parents, and educators joined the …
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Manila, March 4, 2020 — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on March 3 launched the YOUth Innovate! Summit to engage and recognize young innovators in Mindanao, especially those directly affected by the 2017 Marawi Siege. The summit, organized by USAID and Plan International, highlighted the innovation ideas of 22 youth groups, and …
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Manila, March 3, 2020 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is launching this year its “Pros in Cons” (Professionals in Consular) information campaign, which will raise awareness about immigrant and non-immigrant visa services and operations, debunk myths and combat disinformation about consular services. The “Pros in Cons” campaign is a key component of the …
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Manila, February 28, 2020 — Soldiers from the U.S. Army Civil Affairs Team and Philippine service members from the Coast Guard District Palawan Civil Relations Service conducted joint education outreach at the West Coast Day Care Center in Palawan on 26 February 2020. Service members spent the day distributing school supplies and spending time with …
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Manila, February 27, 2020 — U.S. and Philippine service members conducted joint/combined exchange training (JCET) in Palawan from January to February to develop counterterrorism tactics and skills. U.S. Army Special Operations Forces and elite contingents of the Philippine 18th Special Forces Company conducted joint training that covered a variety of counterterrorism subjects and exercises. Training …
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(From left) USAID Director of Office of Education Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Sorsogon Ms. Tess Gonzales, and Sorsogon City Health Officer Dr. Rolando De Alca at the ceremonial handover of an audiometer for the Sorsogon City Health Center under the Gabay Project. Manila, February 21, 2020 — The U.S. government, …
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Manila, February 21, 2020 — U.S. and Philippine naval engineers celebrated on February 19 the opening of a new two-room classroom they built together in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. “This project provides a much-needed schoolhouse for the Malatgao National Elementary School in Palawan, which will be utilized by over 120 students. We are proud to assist …
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Manila, February 20, 2020 — On Wednesday, February 19, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines organized a special flag-raising event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of General Douglas MacArthur’s raising of the U.S. flag over Embassy grounds during the Battle of Manila in 1945. The event is part of an ongoing Embassy series commemorating the …
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Manila, February 14, 2020 — From February 10 to 14, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) conducted a Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation course for 19 Philippine government participants in Pasay, Metro Manila. Participants included representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, …
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Cebu, February 14, 2020— EducationUSA, the U.S. government’s official resource for students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States, will host its third annual education fair in Cebu on Friday, February 28, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. This EducationUSA Fair will feature more …
Read More» EducationUSA, the U.S. government’s official resource for students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States, will host its annual education fair in Manila on Thursday, February 27, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Podium Hall in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
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Manila, February 7, 2020 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is currently conducting training courses on science-driven drug investigations and substance abuse prevention for Philippine law enforcement agencies in Quezon City. The first course, provided to 40 members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), is a five-day training on chemical diversion investigations. The …
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Manila, February 3, 2020 — U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim on Monday joined officials from the Philippine Department of Defense and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in a wreath laying ceremony honoring the American civilians interned at UST during World War II. UST played a critical role during WWII as the …
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Nasugbu, Batangas, January 22, 2020 — During a visit to a school serving as an evacuation center in Nasugbu, Batangas on January 22, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim announced the provision of Php 5.1 million ($100,000) in U.S. government support to those affected by the January 12 Taal volcanic eruption. Ambassador Kim …
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Manila, January 17, 2020 — The United States awarded six micro-grants to community groups composed of Marawi’s displaced citizens and their host families. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Emmanuel Piñol joined U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Economic Development and Governance Chief Jeffrey Lehrer at the grants handover ceremony on Wednesday, January 15, …
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Philippine-American Educational Foundation Honorary Board Chairperson and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim and Philippine Competition Commission Chairperson Arsenio M. Balisacan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a new staff development program on competition law and policy. Manila, December 20, 2019 — On December 20, Philippine-American Educational Foundation Honorary Board Chairperson …
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Youth Panel comprised of NYC Commissioner Paul Pangilinan, World Youth Alliance President Lord Pomperada, U.N. Nutrition Ambassador Cherrie Atilano, Asian Consulting Group President Mon Abrea, and Asian Consulting Group Vice President James Reid share their stories as youth leaders and how they sustain their advocacies. Manila, December 18, 2019 — U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines …
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Manila, December 17, 2019 — Holy Name University in Bohol conferred an honorary degree on U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim on Monday, December 16. During the ceremony, Holy Name University President, Father Francisco Estepa awarded Ambassador Kim with the university’s honorary Doctorate of Management in Human Resources in recognition of his valuable contribution …
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U.S. and Philippine military personnel inaugurated a U.S. funded peacekeeping operations training facility in Tarlac on Thursday, December 12. The center will provide training and administrative services to AFP personnel participating in peacekeeping operations, in support of the Philippines’ international commitments. (Photos courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines) Manila, December 13, 2019 — …
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Manila, December 10, 2019 — U.S. and Philippine service members conducted medical outreach in Cotabato City, providing medical education and basic care to 228 students at Laureano Ramirez Sebastian High School on Saturday, November 30. The medical civil action program (MEDCAP), was a collaboration between members of the Philippine 6th Infantry Division Hospital, Cotabato Regional …
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Manila, December 6, 2019 — Representatives from the U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force West (JIATF West), the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s counternarcotics task force in the Indo-Pacific region, and officials from the Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNP-MG) presided over a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new PNP-MG patrol boat facility today in Lantawan, Basilan. …
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Manila, November 29, 2019 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT), partnered with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and the International Justice Mission (IJM) to train 72 prosecutors and investigators in Clark, Angeles City from November 19 to 21. …
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In celebration of Thanksgiving, Ambassador Sung Kim shared a meal with the Tuloy Foundation culinary scholars at Enderun Colleges in Taguig City on Tuesday, November 26. The Tuloy Foundation is a non-profit organization for disadvantaged children and youth.
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Manila, November 27, 2019 — For the third straight year, the number of Filipinos studying in the United States increased, according to an annual survey of international exchange activity in the United States of America. Based on Open Doors data released this November, 3,320 Filipino students enrolled in U.S. Universities this past year. This is …
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Manila, November 26, 2019 — In celebration of International Education Week (IEW) in November, EducationUSA staged a series of education programs, culminating in a college application drive at the Philippine Science High School in Quezon City. On November 18, EducationUSA kicked off the week-long celebration with a workshop for students and prospective Masters of Business …
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Manila, November 22, 2019 — From November 19 to 20, 2019, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines continued to partner with the Philippine Judicial Academy in training 24 Mindanao judges on money laundering, terrorist financing, and financial crimes. The workshop included participants from Sulu, Basilan, Marawi, and Zamboanga, all areas of the Philippines which have …
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Manila, November 22, 2019 — Deputy Chief of Mission John Law traveled to Cotabato to launch a new Countering Violent Extremism partnership with local government units and civil society. He also met with BARMM officials to discuss U.S. support for the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority, totaling nearly Php 1 billion ($18.7 million). The new CONVERGE Program …
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Manila, November 21, 2019 –– As part of ongoing U.S.-Philippine cooperation on underwater crime scene investigation (UCSI), participants from the Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNP-MG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) conducted an instructor development course in Batangas from November 4 to 13. This event consisted of …
Read More» Manila, November 20, 2019 — Senior U.S. and Philippine officials conducted high-level dialogues in Manila and Cebu this week to mark progress in efforts to prosecute and convict child traffickers and provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for child victims of online child sexual exploitation (OSEC). The dialogues also focused on the progress made in the Philippines …
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U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper visited the Philippines for the first time as Defense Secretary to reaffirm the steadfast and enduring U.S. – Philippine alliance.
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U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana met in Manila, Philippines on November 19, 2019, to discuss a broad range of shared security interests and priorities.
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The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine National Police and the Quezon City government, will host the Inaugural Asia Women Leading Law Enforcement Conference from November 18 to 22 at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Quezon City.
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U.S. and Philippine service members conducted joint medical training at Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao from September 20 to 22, to improve critical life-saving skills in combat casualty care.
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Manila, November 12, 2019 — U.S. service members, Philippine National Police officers, local government employees, and local health practitioners conducted a joint medical outreach project on Banaran Island, Municipality of Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi on October 23, 2019. The medical mission provided health services, ranging from preventative medical and dental checkups to minor surgical procedures, for more …
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Manila, November 12, 2019 — U.S. and Philippine military personnel, local government representatives, non-governmental organizations, and local residents partnered together for a second time to install artificial habitat reefs in Maragondon, Cavite, on October 8, 2019. A total of 60 jackstone-type artificial habitat reefs were installed off the coast. In August, the group also installed …
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Manila, October 31, 2019 –– In recognition of the extensive U. S. partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim visited the Balagtas Training Center to observe the first technical course conducted there on outboard motor maintenance on Thursday, October 30. Commodore Joseph Badajos, Commander of PCG’s Surface Support Force, hosted the …
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Manila, October 25, 2019 — The United States Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with Ateneo de Davao University and Central Philippine University, hosted the 2019 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Apps Challenge in Davao and Iloilo from October 18 to 20. Fourteen teams from Davao and ten teams from Iloilo participated in …
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Manila, October 25, 2019 — The Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), formally launched the DOH Academy’s e-learning platform, which will standardize core training content for health workers through online learning modules centralized in one location. The first of its kind in the Philippines, the …
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Manila, October 25, 2019 — U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents and the Philippine National Police (PNP)-HSI Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit (TCIU) arrested two Philippine nationals and rescued seven minor victims during an anti-cybersex operation in Taguig, Philippines on October 21, 2019. The successful operation was the result of close cooperation between Philippine and U.S. …
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The exercise involved sailors, coast guardsmen and Marines from the U.S. and Philippine militaries, as well as sailors from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama focused on regional security cooperation, strengthening maritime partnerships, and enhancing maritime interoperability. Manila, October 23, 2019 — Maritime forces from Japan, Philippines, and the United States …
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Philippine and U.S. service members conducted training in amphibious operations, live fire drills, military operations in urban terrain, reconnaissance, low altitude air defense, aviation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and other areas. Manila, October 22, 2019 — The Philippines, Japan, and the United States conducted the closing ceremony of exercise KAMANDAG 3 at Marine …
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Manila, October 18, 2019 — The United States Coast Guard’s commanding officer is conducting a three-day visit to the Philippines to mark the 75th anniversary of the operation that began the Philippines’ World War II liberation, meet with deployed U.S. Coast Guard personnel, and bolster U.S. partnerships with Philippine officials. Adm. Karl L. Schultz, Commandant …
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Manila, October 18, 2019 — U.S. and Philippine service members joined efforts to clean coastal and residential communities in Zamboanga City during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day on Sept. 21. More than 500 volunteers, including students, local residents, local government employees, non-governmental organizations, and Philippine and U.S. service members participated in the community clean-up …
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Manila, October 16, 2019 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines will host its second National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Apps Challenge from October 18 to 20. This year, the Embassy is bringing this global event to Davao and Iloilo, in collaboration with the American Corners in Ateneo de Davao University, Central Philippine …
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Manila, October 15, 2019 — The U.S. Navy, Philippine Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force launched Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama with an opening ceremony in Puerto Princessa on Oct. 14. This is the third iteration of MTA Sama Sama, a maritime exercise designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, …
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Manila, October 15, 2019 — The Calamianes Resilience Network, with the support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Calamianes Marine Protected Area Network, hosted the first environmental law enforcement summit in Coron, Palawan from October 10 to 11. The summit drew more than 100 representatives from the national and local governments, …
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Manila, October 12, 2019 — 21 Sandiganbayan justices participated in a roundtable with U.S. experts organized by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines U.S. Department of Justice Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (DOJ/OPDAT), the Supreme Court of the Philippines, and the Philippine Judicial Academy. The event aimed to enhance participants’ capabilities, competencies …
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Manila, October 11, 2019 — As part of our deepening bilateral counterterrorism partnership, today, Philippine Police Chief General Oscar Albayalde and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim broke ground on a new state-of-the-art Regional Counterterrorism Training Center in the Philippines. The U.S. and Philippine governments will construct and operate the center on the grounds …
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Manila, October 7, 2019 — U.S., Philippine and Japanese service members will begin the third annual KAMANDAG exercise on October 9, 2019, to promote multinational military interoperability, readiness, and capabilities. The exercise is scheduled for October 9-18, 2019 at various training sites throughout Luzon and Palawan. During KAMANDAG 3, U.S. and Philippine forces will conduct …
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Manila, October 2, 2019 — In celebration of National Literacy Month in September, EducationUSA staged a series of education programs all over the Philippines which culminated in a successful graduate studies application drive for more than a hundred working professionals in Manila. On September 7, EducationUSA kicked off the celebration with a workshop for 100 …
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Manila, September 30, 2019 —The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today launched a new Food for Progress project focused on strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulatory systems in the Philippines. On Friday, September 27, visiting U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney met with Philippine Under Secretary of …
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(L-R): USAID Fish Right Chief of Party Nygiel Armada, NGOs for Fisheries Reform Director Gregorio dela Rosa, Philippine Association of Crab Processors President Ken Choi, Saravia Blue Crab President Alfonso Gamboa, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Eduardo Gongona, and USAID Philippines Environment Chief John Edgar participate in an MOU-signing ceremony to expand export potential of the …
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Manila, September 23, 2019 — U.S. Army Special Forces and Philippine security forces partnered for a joint training exercise at 6th Special Action Battalion Camp, Sagay City, Negros Occidental, from Aug. 26 to Sept. 20. The four-week training, dubbed Badge Piston 19, focused on refining and developing the following disciplines: human rights, law of armed …
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Manila, September 23, 2019 — Soldiers from the U.S. 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are conducting a bilateral airborne operation from September 19 to 25. This type of combined, tactical-level training builds both forces’ technical competence, fosters interoperability, and provides a greater understanding …
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Manila, September 20, 2019 — U.S. service members, Philippine Coast Guardsmen, local health workers, and local government employees partnered to conduct a basic medical and dental knowledge expertise exchange in Bataraza, Palawan, from Sept. 17-18. More than 60 participants from the Philippine Coast Guard (PGC) Palawan District, Bataraza Municipality Health Office, Barangay Buliluyan Health Workers, …
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Philippine National Police Regional Mobile Force Battalion Region 9 (PNP RMFB9) and service members from the United States Army and United States Marine Corps participated in a Women in Law Enforcement Symposium at Camp Colonel Romeo A. Abendan, Zamboanga City, on September 10-12. Manila, September 17, 2019 — U.S. military service members and Philippine police …
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U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John C. Law addressed the U.S. government-supported 28th Mindanao Business Conference, where he underscored the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and Mindanao, led the handover ceremonies of community grants and a public market, and toured Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology’s Fab Lab. The lab was made possible through donations …
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Adm. Philip Davidson, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and Philippine Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, led the 2019 Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, on Sept. 13. Manila, September 13, 2019 — Adm. Philip Davidson, Commander of the U.S. …
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USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II leads the signing of the pledge of commitment during the launch of USAID’s new education project, Gabay. Together with the Department of Education and Resources of the Blind, USAID will work to give visually and hearing impaired children, including those who are deaf, blind and deaf-blind, access to …
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Manila, September 6, 2019 — Ambassador Kim joined 70 prosecutors from across the country, including 44 prosecutors from Mindanao, in opening the National Convention of Counterterrorism (CT) Prosecutors in Manila. The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training (OPDAT), partnered with …
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U.S. and Philippine Marines participated in an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) in Subic Bay, Philippines, from Aug. 26 – Sept. 6, 2019. The U.S. Marine Corps has partnered with the Philippine Marine Corps for the last eight years to develop skill sets and policies to enable the Philippine Navy and …
Read More» Manila, September 5, 2019 — In celebration of National Literacy Month, EducationUSA will conduct a roadshow in Cordillera from September 11 to 14 to engage Filipinos interested in studying in the United States and raise counselors’ awareness about the importance of digital literacy for the largely digital U.S. college admissions process. EducationUSA advisors will visit …
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Manila, September 5, 2019 — In collaboration with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM), an accredited U.S. institution that provides practical and professional aviation skills education, EducationUSA conducted an interactive workshop and discussion on U.S. aviation studies programs for 75 Filipino students and professionals at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines on Friday, August 30. …
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SATTAHIP, Thailand (NNS) – The U.S. Navy and maritime forces from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will begin the first ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX) with opening ceremonies at Sattahip Naval Base, Thailand Sept. 2. Co-led by the U.S. and Royal Thai navies, AUMX will consist of pre-sail activities in Thailand, Singapore and Brunei, …
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Manila, August 27, 2019 — EducationUSA, the U.S. government’s official resource for students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States, will host a Mini-Fair with seven American universities on Tuesday, September 10, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City. This free event will provide an …
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Manila, August 19, 2019 — Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, General David Goldfein, and Commander, Pacific Air Forces, General Charles Brown, visited Manila from August 15 to 18, 2019. During their time here, the generals met with key policymakers, including Undersecretary of National Defense Cardozo Luna, Chief of Staff of the Armed …
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Batangas, August 16, 2019 — U.S. and Philippine service members, local government workers, and non-governmental organizations partnered to install artificial habitat reefs at Barangay Hukay, Calatagan, Batangas on August 15, 2019. The project, dubbed Operation Pamamalakaya, is a collaboration between by the Philippine Air Force, DV Boer Farm, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Community …
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Manila, August 15, 2019 — As part of our deepening bilateral counterterrorism partnership, the U.S. and Philippine governments have agreed to establish a new state of the art Regional Counterterrorism Training Center in the Philippines. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Oscar D. Albayalde and Deputy Chief of Mission John C. Law today signed …
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U.S. Navy and Philippine Navy sailors participated in friendly games of soccer, basketball, volleyball and tug of war during a Sports Day event on August 8, 2019. Opportunities like these strengthen military to military ties and personal friendships between sailors of both nations. The enduring U.S.-Philippine relationship is a pillar of peace and security in …
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The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) leads the Ronald Reagan Strike group, including the Ticonderoga-class missile cruisers USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Benfold (DDG 65) and USS Milius (DDG 69), during a photo exercise in 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication …
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Manila, July 31, 2019 — As part of its continuing commitment to improve education outcomes for Filipino youth, the U.S. government today launched the Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines (ABC+) project to support Department of Education (DepEd) efforts to strengthen the quality of education in the Philippines. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Law and representatives …
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Manila, July 30, 2019 — Thirty-six Filipino advisees of EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State’s official source on U.S. higher education information, are receiving more than Php37 million in merit and need-based scholarships from accredited American universities for the upcoming 2019-2020 academic year. EducationUSA advisers worked with these students throughout their college admissions process, including …
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Manila, July 26, 2019 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines sponsored a Kennedy Space Center visit for the Filipino team that won the 2018 NASA Space Apps Challenge in the “Best Galactic Impact” category. Team iNON visited the Kennedy Space Center in Florida from July 22 to 24, 2019 to present their app to …
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Manila, July 24, 2019 — The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is assisting interagency representatives of the Philippine government in conducting a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) exercise from July 24 to 27. DTRA designed the exercise to hone the response skills of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the officially-mandated CBRN response …
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Manila, July 18, 2019 — U.S. and Philippine service members teamed up to unload and inventory ten M-107 .50 caliber sniper rifles at Camp Aguinaldo on July 17, 2019. Purchased by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), this delivery is part of a series of equipment transfers designed to strengthen the AFP’s ability to …
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Jalilah and her family are among more than 30,000 Marawi residents who have benefitted from temporary shelters provided by the U.S. government. An added Php234 million in U.S. government funding will provide shelter assistance to 2,600 additional individuals. (Photo credit: Tiffany Tsang, Catholic Relief Services) Manila, July 18, 2019 —The U.S. government is providing an …
Read More» Manila, July 17, 2019 — The Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America held the Eighth Bilateral Strategic Dialogue from 15 to 16 July 2019 in Manila, Philippines. Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique Manalo and Department of National Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano co-led the Philippine delegation. Assistant Secretary of …
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Washington, July 11, 2019 — Peace Corps Response Volunteer Alan Hale, 80, of Bellingham, Wash., died in a bicycling accident at his site in the Philippines on July 11. Hale arrived in Southern Leyte province in October 2018 and worked with local officials to improve solid waste management. He delivered training to more than 2,000 …
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Manila, July 16, 2019 — I was honored to co-chair the U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, July 15-16 in Manila. As a treaty ally, our partnership with the Philippines is critical for realizing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, with thriving sovereign nations. A strong U.S.-Philippines alliance deters aggression and promotes regional stability, …
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Manila, July 15, 2019 — Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 19.2, a semiannual U.S.-Philippine military exercise focused on mutual defense, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, will take place in the Philippines from July 15 to 25, 2019. U.S. Marines and aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 and 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, …
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Manila, July 15, 2019 — Seventy-five new U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in Manila on July 7, 2019. They join the more than 9,000 Americans who have served as Peace Corps Volunteers in the Philippines since 1961, making the Philippines the second oldest Peace Corps program. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, the goal of …
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Manila, July 12, 2019 — The United States and the Republic of the Philippines will hold the eighth Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) July 15-16, 2019 in Manila. The BSD brings together senior leaders to discuss cooperation on defense, economics, rule of law, and regional diplomacy between the United States and the Philippines. U.S. Ambassador to …
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Deputy Chief of Mission Law (center), Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Benny Antiporda (far left), and USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy (far right), together with the representatives of EcoWaste Coalition and Mother Earth Foundation, which received grants under USAID’s Municipal Waste Recycling Program. Manila, July 11, 2019 — The U.S. government awarded two …
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Manila, July 2, 2019 — The USS Montgomery, an Independence-class littoral combat ship, departed Davao City on July 1. This was the ship’s first port visit to the Philippines during her first deployment. During the visit, Montgomery hosted local military and civic leaders for an evening reception to celebrate the U.S.-Philippine alliance. U.S. Embassy in …
Read More» Manila, July 1, 2019 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines commends the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti-Organized Crime Division (NBI-AOCD) for the arrests of Irmalyn Melodias-Torres and Gerald Melodias for large-scale illegal recruitment. NBI-AOCD executed the arrests on June 20 in Quezon City and June 21 in Valenzuela City. This successful international effort came as …
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Manila, June 29, 2019 — The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) arrived in Davao City on June 29 for the ship’s first port visit to the Philippines during her first deployment. Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific, stressed the importance of the U.S.-Philippine partnership. “Our navies, just like …
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Manila, June 24, 2019 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines conducted a border security training with 19 officers from the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Coast Guard from June 17 to 21. The training provided participants with a thorough understanding of the targeting and risk management process to help identify high-risk …
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