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USAID's programs in the Philippines focus on strengthening peace in conflict-affected Mindanao, promoting good governance, increasing economic opportunities, protecting the environment, strengthening health services, and improving basic education. We invite you to explore our web site to learn more about USAID/Philippines innovative programs and activities.
Program Highlights
New Peace Process Presidential Adviser Visits USG Programs in Mindanao
On July 10, GRP Peace Process Adviser Hermogenes Esperon visited USAID programs in Zamboanga and Basilan with Ambassador Kenney and USAID Director Lindborg. The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front are meeting July 17 to discuss "freedom," the remaining issue for the ancestral domain agreement. Resolution of issues on ancestral domain and self-determination is key to the Peace Agreement.
US Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney reads to former street children under the care of Zamboanga City Social Development Center. She is joined by the Philippine Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon, USAID Philippines Mission Director Jon Lindborg, and Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat. USAID’s EQuALLS2 Project provided a total of 640 new books to augment the learning materials in the center’s mini-library, installed a reading corner, and provided papercraft livelihood training for 26 youth staying at the shelter.
Teachers Camp Celebrates 100 Years of US Support for Education
On July 5, Ambassador Kenney highlighted the legacy of the Thomasites -- 1,074 pioneer American teachers who sailed from San Francisco in 1901 aboard SS Thomas, in the Centennial Celebration of the Baguio Teachers Camp. The Thomasites established the Camp in 1908. Today, the Camp supports Filipino teachers’ training, and education remains a cornerstone of USAID programs in the Philippines
Left to Right: Department of Education (DepED) Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya; Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista; Ambassador Kenney; DepED Undersecretary Vilma Labrador; Thomasite Descendant Joselito Asenerio; DepED Undersecretary Ramon Bacani; and USAID Mission Director Jon Lindborg.
Landmark Conviction of Human Trafficker
On June 30, the Regional Trial Court of Batangas City convicted a trafficker under the anti-trafficking law with maximum penalty. The case is a landmark conviction, due to joint efforts of the GRP and NGOs, including the Visayan Forum, a USAID anti-trafficking grantee.
Tet Robielos, Cognizant Technical Officer (OEDG/USAID) and Cecil Oebanda, President (Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. -VF) give the introduction and briefing on the VF anti-trafficking project to USAID administrative staff during the site visit to the “Bahay Silungan sa Daungan” or port halfway house at the Batangas International Port last June 20, 2008. The Batangas halfway house is one of the seven halfway houses provided by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and operated by VF. These unique centers provide temporary shelters and protective services to trafficked women and children who were rescued by authorities during transit or who run away from their employers. The US Government has been supporting VF since 2002 under various grants from USAID and the U.S. State Department. Also present during the visit were USAID Mission Director Jon Lindborg, PPA Batangas Port Manager Alex Cruz, members of the Batangas Anti-Trafficking Task Force, and staff of VF.
Typhoon Frank (Fengshen) Response Demonstrates Effective US-Philippines Partnership
Working closely with Philippines government agencies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the US Department of Defense, and the Philippines National Red Cross, USAID/Philippines was an integral part of a joint-effort that acquired, transported, and distributed relief supplies to affected areas of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines stricken by Typhoon Frank (Fengshen). USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) flew in 67,000 pounds OFDA-procured relief commodities which aircraft from the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier delivered to high-need locations across Panay Island. The strength of the US-Philippines partnership rapidly addressed the immediate requirements of severely-affected communities, saving lives and preventing further suffering.
USAID-Military Partnership in Health Care and Civic Action Programs
On June 14, USNS Mercy successfully completed its Pacific Partnership in the Philippines and brought together USAID, the US and Philippine Military for its healthcare and civic action programs in Mindanao and Samar, with about 26,000 medical and dental patients treated, 2,000 medical and health students and personnel trained, and seven major engineering projects completed
Pacific Partnership Co-Director for the Philippines addresses the audience at the opening ceremony with Co-Director for USG, Commander William Kearns, and Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney at the side. The Pacific Partnership 2008 Philippine was participated in by the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, and Public Health Service; Armed Forces of the Philippines, Australia, Canada, and Japan; Department of Health Central and Regional Offices, local health care providers, Operation Smile, and 13 local NGOs.