United States-Philippines Society Inc

REGIONAL SECURITY Hosted roundtable discussion in July 2023 in Washington, DC about the South China Sea and the new PH government approach of increasing transparency and the conduct of non-military maritime law enforcement; speakers were PH coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela and East-West Centers Pacific Forum professor, Dr. Jeffrey Ordaniel. Hosted panel on Bangsamoro peace-building initiatives in Mindanao, in June 2024 in Washington, DC, with Aliah Adam, a peace advocate and Country Director of Strategic Communications and Capacity Building Project Philippines.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Sponsored forum review, in July 2023 in Washington, DC, of the first year of the Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. administration, led by PH Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez. Held roundtable with USAID Asst Administrator for Asia, Michael Schiffer, who provided insights on US-PH partnership initiatives addressing food security, energy conservation, health and socio-economic well-being of vulnerable communities. Participated in COP28 virtual forum that addressed impact of climate change and the mitigation efforts held underway in the Philippines.

HISTORY & EDUCATION Sponsored lecture by Professor Ambeth Ocampo who traced evolution of PH maps and Rizals research in 1889 that led to his creating Mindanao relief map. Launched Kate Bakers book, Bounden Duty, which told 1901-1903 life story of Price Cooper, a Thomasite. Held Georgetown tour featuring US-PH connections.

DISASTER RELIEF Provided $2,100 grant to Medical Mission of Mercy USA to support Mindanao program. Hosted reception for visiting PH health officials during their USA tour on continuous quality improvement. Modernized computers with applications for weather alerts to 1,000 students & teachers in remote Pampanga areas.

CULTURAL PRESENTATION Posted message, in June 2024, on 126th anniversary of proclamation of Philippine Independence, joining celebration of Filipino-American community in USA. Participated in PH Embassys Around the World Embassy Tour, celebrating PH culture and the contributions of Filipinos in host countries like the USA.