Home » About USAID » Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Which sectors does USAID focus on in the Philippines?
Based on the Agency's overall strategy and goals, USAID/ Philippines and Government of the Philippines have mutually agreed on projects in the following focus areas:
- Conflict reduced in Mindanao and other areas vulnerable to violence;
Performance of selected government institutions improved;
Desired family size and improved health sustainably achieved;
Management of productive life-sustaining natural resources strengthened;
Access to quality education and livelihood skills increased in selected areas most affected by poverty and conflict.
See Programs for more details.
Why does USAID provide assistance?
The U.S. has given substantial economic assistance to developing countries through USAID. Sometimes this aid is purely humanitarian in nature, such as aid for disaster relief and emergency food programs. In other instances, assistance is provided because of special historical or security relationships. But most often, economic assistance is just one element of U.S. relationships with developing countries - relationships that also include mutually beneficial trade and investment flows and educational and cultural exchanges.
USAID programs are financed by the American taxpayer. Many Americans feel that the U.S. has a responsibility to help developing countries achieve better lives for their people. Providing development assistance helps the U.S. build closer ties with developing countries. The U.S. also benefits economically because economies that are developing and growing are better trade and investment partners.
topHow is USAID assistance programmed?
USAID assistance to the Philippines consists of three complementary programs:
- Development Assistance (DA) provides grants to support programs in economic growth and
agricultural development; population, health and nutrition; environmental management; democracy
and governance; human capacity development; and humanitarian assistance.
Economic Support Funds (ESF) are provided for economic development purposes in countries where
the U.S. has special security interests.
Food for Peace programs, sometimes referred to as PL 480 (PL for Public Law),
provides food aid to the Philippine Government through concessional sales (Title I) and
by donation (Title II and Section 206).
Furthermore, the USAID headquarter in Washington, D.C. manages a variety of programs directly. Many of these programs also cover the Philippines. Visit the Agency's website at www.usaid.gov.
In addition to USAID assistance, the U.S. supports the growth and development of the Philippine economy through programs of other U.S. government agencies like the Treasury and Environmental Protection Agency. It also contributes to multilateral development institutions such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, and to the many United Nations agencies active in the Philippines.
topHow do the USAID programs work in the Philippines?
The USAID Mission in Manila consults extensively with the Philippine Government, the U.S. Embassy, the NGO
community, the private sector, and other stakeholders to determine on the amount and types of aid to be requested.
The Mission then formulates a strategic plan that proposes how the aid will be used and the levels of funding needed.
This plan is reviewed by USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C., and is incorporated into the President's annual
foreign assistance bill submitted to the U.S. Congress. Once the bill is passed, USAID/Philippines and
appropriate Philippine Government officials negotiate the agreements required to release USAID funds.
The members of the USAID Mission work closely with their Filipino counterparts at all stages of the
implementation of USAID-funded activities. Implementing teams monitor progress, conduct site visits,
and carry out evaluations and audits to ensure that activities are being implemented as planned.
How can I or my organization receive funding from USAID?
Overall, priorities areas for USAID assistance are determined in conjunction with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) of the Philippines and the U.S. Embassy. It is then implemented by appropriate agencies of the national, provincial and local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private voluntary organizations (PVOs), and businesses and civic organizations. USAID assistance is generally in the form of technical assistance -- services supplied by people and firms that USAID hires. Decisions regarding specific contractors and grantees are done through competitively bid contracts and grants which support specific objectives of our current program activities.
Project proponents may submit unsolicited proposals or request for assistance to USAID, if the concept being proposed has a clear and direct fit with USAID's development strategy in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao and its conflict-affected areas. Over the years, however, every region in the Philippines has benefited directly from USAID's assistance. Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao, in particular, have received special attention because of the magnitude of their needs.
topDoes USAID fund higher education, conferences, training and research in the Philippines, other countries, or the United States for Filipinos?
USAID/Philippines has no programs, guidelines or funds available to provide scholarships, grants or loans directly to individuals for education, training, conferences, seminars and research in the Philippines, other countries, or the United States. Partners in current USAID programs and activities are sometimes eligible under the Participant Training Programs.
Can USAID help me obtain visas to the U.S.?
USAID is a development Agency and has no jurisdiction over the application, review, or approval process of obtaining visas or other entry documents to the United States for either American or Filipino citizens. Please contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila directly for information and assistance in this matter.
How can I get a job with USAID/Philippines?
All vacancies for local positions are advertised in major Filipino newspapers with instructions on how to apply.
For U.S. Citizen interested in a long-term career with USAID, please contact the Office of Human Resources Management
(M/HR), Recruitment Branch, United States Agency for International Development, Second Floor, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue,
N. W., Ronald Reagan Building, Federal Triangle Area, Washington, D. C. 20523, USA. You can also find additional
information on the Employment Opportunities page of the Agency's website.
How can I do business with USAID/Philippines?
USAID-funded activities in the Philippines are carried out through contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with American, Filipino, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and contractors. For more information on available opportunities, please visit our Business page.
Which U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) do business with USAID?
For more information, USAID's Office of Private and Voluntary Cooperation (OPVC) in Washington, D.C. maintain a list of registered PVCs.
Could you send me some general information on USAID activities in the Philippines?
All information about USAID in the Philippines is available on this website. We urge you to browse the site and print whatever you deem appropriate. If you are still in need of further information, please feel free to Contact Us.
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