Basco, Batanes, January 28, 2026—From January 19 to 20, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office, equipped 50 high school teachers from across Batanes with innovative American teaching approaches that integrate artificial intelligence (AI), critical thinking, and communication skills.

Led by two English Language Fellows who are American experts from the U.S. Department of State’s English Language Fellows program, the “Engaging Learners: Communication, Criticality, and the Future of Instruction” workshop highlighted the strong academic partnership between the United States and the Philippines as the two nations celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. 

“The U.S. Embassy is proud to invest in the educators of Batanes by sharing American excellence in education through expert facilitators and world-class resources,” said U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna.  “By expanding their teaching methods, Batanes educators are ensuring that the next generation of Ivatans are well-prepared to enter the workforce—positioning the province for greater international collaboration and as strong future partners of American companies.”

“We are grateful to the U.S. Embassy for this multidisciplinary approach,” said Department of Education Senior Program Supervisor Kym Clyde H. Moro.  “The program provided our teachers with practical tools that will greatly improve how our students learn and communicate.  This is a meaningful investment in our teachers and the future of education in Batanes.”

Participants also developed “action projects” that integrate real-world data and hands-on learning, including lessons on Ivatan stone houses to promote community resilience, debates on future investment in Batanes using economic data, and cultural exchange activities comparing U.S. and Philippine traditions using American AI tools.  These projects ensure classroom learning is directly connected to local community challenges.  

The Regional English Language Office team also shared information on additional Embassy programming resources, which empower participants through first-hand exposure to American best practices.  By investing in education and innovation, the United States and the Philippines continue to work together to make both countries more prosperous.
 

Manila, January 12, 2026—The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announces three new cohorts of the English Access Program Scholarship in Davao City, Bohol, and Bataan, benefiting 150 high-achieving Filipino students.  The program is a partnership between the U.S. Embassy’s Regional English Language Office, the Philippine Department of Education, and public schools in each location.   Students and teachers selected through a competitive, merit-based process gain invaluable skills from American innovation and excellence in English language content and instruction, preparing them to enter the workforce.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the two-year, intensive after school program strengthens English proficiency while building digital, leadership, and critical thinking skills among public school students aged 13 to 15.   Participants also participate in cultural activities, including celebrating American excellence in partnership with U.S. officials as part of America’s 250th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic relations in 2026.

“By focusing on advanced literacy and professional-level communication, we are preparing these high-achieving students for the demands of the global workforce,” said U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna. “Their success is a direct investment in the future of the U.S.-Philippine relationship and our shared goals—ultimately making both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

On January 8, the Regional English Language Office launched the first 2026 cohort at Pablo M. Piatos Sr. Integrated School in Bunawan, Davao City, with 50 exceptional students joining from various schools across the area.

“The English Access Scholarship Program plays a significant role in raising the English proficiency of learners, especially those from far-flung schools.  Through well-structured weekly lessons, interactive, learner-centered activities, and support from mentors, the program builds learners’ confidence and communication skills in English, empowering them to express themselves more effectively and opening wider academic and future opportunities,” said Department of Education Davao City Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Sagot.

The second cohort launched on January 10 in Panglao, Bohol, with 50 students at Lourdes National High School.

The third cohort, also with 50 students, will launch on January 17 at the City of Balanga National High School in Balanga City, Bataan.

Since its inception in 2004, over 200,000 students in more than 85 countries have received the English Access Program Scholarship, including nearly 1,500 alumni in the Philippines. Educators in the program also join a global network of Access teachers to strengthen their instructional skills through American English excellence to better serve their communities.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is pleased to announce the 2025 Fall cohort of YSEALI exchange participants, showcasing the United States’ commitment to developing future leaders and fostering global collaboration.

This September through October, 62 exceptional young leaders from across the Philippines will embark on transformative journeys to the United States as part of the YSEALI Academic Fellows and YSEALI Professional Fellowship programs.  These programs exemplify American excellence in education, innovation, and leadership development, offering participants unparalleled opportunities to engage with world-class institutions and cutting-edge best practices.

Through these exchanges, the United States reaffirms its dedication to cultivating the future generation of leaders.

Manila, May 23, 2025—The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is hosting a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) regional workshop in Manila from May 28 to June 1.  The event will bring together 60 young content creators from across Southeast Asia to help them build new connections and strengthen their digital storytelling skills. 

The “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators” will cover key topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, brand development, and intellectual property. 

They will learn from notable social media mentors including journalist Jacque Manabat.  The participants will also visit the Manila offices of leading U.S. tech companies such as Microsoft and Meta. 

“We are thrilled to support Southeast Asia’s vibrant community of content creators,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said.  “These digital innovators are revolutionizing how we stay informed and connected.” 

“You are not just creating content,” Manabat told the participants during the virtual orientation session on April 6.  “You are bridging connections.  Your story and creativity matter.” 

The participating creators collectively have a total of 15 million followers across multiple platforms.  Ten of the 60 participants are from the Philippines. 

YSEALI is the U.S. government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking among Southeast Asians under the age of 35.  Since its launch in 2013, YSEALI has been developing the capabilities of Southeast Asian youth to promote civic engagement, environmental and natural resource management, education, economic development, and good governance through a variety of programs, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding.   

All participants of the workshop will become members of the U.S. government and YSEALI exchange program alumni networks that will open them to unique opportunities, including grants and networking. 

The “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators” is implemented by the Out of the Box Media Literacy Initiative through funding from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with the U.S. Mission to ASEAN.

Manila, November 20, 2024—More than 4,000 Filipinos decided to pursue their higher education in the United States in the last academic year, according to the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange released on November 18 to mark International Education Week.

The report found that 4,100 Filipinos studied at higher education institutions in the United States during the 2023-2024 academic year, representing a 7.4 percent increase from the previous academic year. It also marks the first time in 15 years that the number of Filipino students on U.S. campuses exceeded 4,000.

According to the report, 2,074 Filipinos pursued their undergraduate studies in the United States in the 2023-2024 academic year, showing a near 17 percent increase compared to the previous year.

“This growth highlights the strong educational ties between the Philippines and the United States,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said. “More and more Filipinos are choosing to study in U.S. colleges and universities for their world-class teaching and research opportunities, extracurricular activities, internships, and the chance to live independently in a culturally and geographically diverse country.”

The Open Doors report is released annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE), with funding from the U.S. government, to provide information and data on international students studying in the United States.

Globally, the total number of international students in the United States increased by 7 percent to a record high of 1,126,690 students, according to the report.

The EducationUSA office in the Philippines is a key resource for Filipino students interested in studying in the United States. Through its free advising sessions, workshops, and outreach activities offered across the country, EducationUSA offers free, accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about opportunities to study at accredited higher education institutions in the United States.

“From helping students choose the right institution to understanding the application process and exploring financial aid options, EducationUSA Philippines is there every step of the way,” Ambassador Carlson added.

As part of International Education Week, EducationUSA and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation will host a free virtual graduate studies fair featuring 50 U.S. universities on November 21 at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. Interested participants are invited to register through https://educationusa.ph/GradFair2024.

EducationUSA will also hold its next monthly virtual advising sessions for undergraduate and graduate studies on November 30. Registration is open via https://educationusa.ph/advising-group.

For more information about studying in the United States and the upcoming International Education Week-related events, please visit https://www.facebook.com/educationusa.philippines/ or email manila@educationusa.org.

U.S Ambassador MaryKay Carlson (third from left) joins Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Jose Francisco Benitez (fourth from left), McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth Yang (fifth from left), and Philippine Business for Education Chair Ramon del Rosario Jr. (fifth from right) in celebrating the first 53 trainees who graduated from McDonald’s Philippines and YouthWorks PH’s joint work-readiness and job-placement program.

Manila, September 25, 2024—On September 24, the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), and McDonald​’​s Philippines celebrated the first 53 trainees who graduated from a jointly offered work-readiness and job-placement program for unemployed youth.

The participants were given training on food and beverage services​,​ which included on-the-job exposure, to ensure they meet industry standards.  They were also mentored on leadership, communication, and critical thinking to equip them with the needed skills to thrive in their future workplace.

Following their graduation, the 53 trainees will now start their careers at one of McDonald​’​s 35 branches across Metro Manila.

“As your partner in prosperity, the United States is committed to working with the Philippine government, educational institutions, and the private sector to help unemployed Filipino youth become productive members of society, achieve their dreams, and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” said U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson at the graduation ceremony held at the McDonald’s branch in San Antonio, Parañaque City.

“We at McDonald’s believe in the talent of our youth, and it only takes the right opportunities such as USAID’s YouthWorks PH program to match these young people’s perseverance and hard work.  By giving back and training our youth, we equip them with the right tools to succeed,” said Golden Arches Development Corp. Vice President for Marketing Margot Torres.

“PBEd’s commitment lies in assisting the youth to take significant steps toward gaining meaningful employment,” PBEd Chair Ramon del Rosario said, underscoring the organization’s role in the partnership.  “By providing them access to training and employment opportunities, we equip them with the necessary skills to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.  This is the YouthWorks PH story.”

This training is part of USAID and PBEd’s $8.7-million YouthWorks PH Program, which has created more than 16,000 training positions and successfully placed over 6,000 youth in work-based training programs since 2018.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is pleased to announce the Fall 2024 batch of exchange participants!

From August to October 2024, 35 young leaders are headed to the U.S. for the YSEALI Academic Fellows and YSEALI Professional Fellowship program.

YSEALI Academic Fellows Program – Civic Engagement: Francine Beatriz Pradez, Jenelyn Kate Tabugoc, Romiane Grace Gonzales, Datu Al-Rauf Engkas, Jim Lester Triño, Cyresse Ann Achilleos, and Dan Kristian Rivera.

YSEALI Academic Fellows Program – Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development: Roi Louise Buenaventura, Sharmaine Blas, Kathryn Gino, Augustus Nicko Bas, Geraldine Escano, and Michaela Louise Hernandez.

YSEALI Academic Fellows Program – Environmental Issues: Jorgia Amor Dagohoy, Ian Frederick Carbonell, Gene Philip Levee Ynion, Francesca Deighl Rivera, Charleton Dunn Llosa, and Pamela Eyre Victoria Lira.

YSEALI Professional Fellowship Program: Veronica Mae Baguio, Hisham Nazz Biruar, Edmerson Calungsod, Corina Lorei Encabo, Apols Garmay, Charles Vincent Manarang, William Francis Mariano, Jayson Maulit, Maria Dominique Pantoja, Monsour Pelmin, Krystel Mae Penaflor, Mariel Bernadette Regulacion, Jalilah Hadji Sapiin, Joshua Soldivillo, Alexander Vidal II, and Asia Wy.

Manila, May 15, 2024—On May 13, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) launched a new fellowship program for Philippine academic officials that will equip them to develop innovative and high-impact programs in higher education.    

The Higher Education Innovation Leaders Fellowship Program, part of USAID’s five-year, Php1.6-billion ($30 million) United States-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Life-long Learning (UPSKILL) initiative, will bring together 16 senior academic officials from across the Philippines for an 8-month learning experience that will empower them to drive innovation within their organizations.  
“This fellowship program represents our investment in developing leaders who will inspire change and strengthen the country’s higher education sector through innovation and collaboration,” USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn said during the launch.

The fellows will engage in learning sessions covering global trends in higher education, driving organizational reforms, and crafting innovative solutions to enhance the impact of higher education programs.  The highlight of the program is a week-long immersion at Arizona State University, ranked as one of the most innovative universities in the United States.  

“These fellows will be bringing contributions and cultivating advocacies of transformation through the fellowship program. I look forward to seeing (them) working collectively toward a goal of a strengthened higher education system leading to inclusive growth in the Philippines,” CHED Chairman Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III said.  

During the launch, USAID and CHED also signed a memorandum of understanding that formalizes the areas of collaboration between the United States and the Philippines under USAID’s UPSKILL program.   Through UPSKILL, USAID will provide technical assistance in crafting the Philippines’ Higher Education Sectoral Development Plan and implementing the Philippine Qualifications Framework.  USAID will also support the development of CHED’s One-Touch Management Information System, a unified platform that will help streamline access to essential services and data visualizations for CHED and its stakeholders.  

USAID supports the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen its educational system.  Since 2012, USAID has invested more than Php3 billion ($60 million) to improve Philippine higher education.  

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is pleased to announce the Spring 2024 batch of exchange participants! 

In April and May, 66 young leaders are headed to the U.S. on a variety of exchange programs including YSEALI Academic Fellows, YSEALI Professional Fellows, YSEALI Next Executive Steering Committee, SEAYLP (Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program), and PYLP (Philippine Youth Leadership Program).  

YSEALI Academic Fellows Program – Civic Engagement: Aljon Patrick Acupan, Louise June Bautista, Raymart Garcia, John Esteward Carcosia, Jasmin Saricala, Renz Macion, Nikki Mae Estella 

YSEALI Academic Fellows Program – Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development: Patrick James Gozun, Chelsea Inton, Richmond Sales, Alyssa Casandra Wee, Anna Isabel Abundancia, Patricia Ellen Crisanto  

YSEALI Academic Fellows Program – Environmental Issues: Nikka Joy Macasa, Cristan Dave Zablan, Audrey Marie Fontanilla, Justine Marasigan, Robi Kate Miranda, Leonardo III Jaminola  

YSEALI Professional Fellows Program: Bret Hart Gutierrez, Marville Cullen Espago, Shyre Klondy Grail Unghiyon-Lapniten, Jomar Borromeo, Julie Ann Ceraos, Jimdel Ventura, Gracely Lux Itum, Maria Reggieleene Dionisio, Mark Angelo Jinang, Dayang Iman Sahali, Charles Anthony Vega, Kristine Bantay, Ana Dominique Consulta, Rachelle Anne Miranda, Raphaelo James Villavicencio 

SEAYLP: Lara Beatrice Rañosa, Sophia Ellise Cas, Jessamine Chloe Delfin, Kyle Baynas, Juliana Mae Bosquit, Jiji Erick Matias (Adult Mentor) 

PYLP: Areejmae Namli, Princess Alrezah Radiamoda, Ummu Calthum Mohammad, Princess Norjannah Ashley Nul, Fatima Ryehan Jawad, Aynsley Tagulob, Alexis Nicole Agarrado, Jenalyn Balongga, Eunice Angel Lacayanga, Freinna Beyn Ocasla, Fhawwadz Halikin, Angel Nawal, Mohamed Hassan Sawjan, Aeon Beluan, Angeli Elizalde Panal, Nico Lorenzo Malacat, Erz Vier Asgapo, Lance Samuel Joyohoy, Prince Ardhe Liray, Justin Ian Francisco, Kince Panondiongan (Adult Mentor), Abdulaziz Dapilin (Adult Mentor), Amierah Asim (Adult Mentor), Kemberyln Boclaras (Adult Mentor) 

YSEALI Next Executive Steering Committee: Aprille Roselle Vince Juanillo, Raphael Martin Magno  

Manila, March 5, 2024—On February 29, the United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program, a five-year, $45-million initiative that will provide Burmese youth with the opportunity to pursue quality higher education in several Asian countries, including the Philippines.

Through this program, USAID is partnering with the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to provide full scholarships for students from Burma to enroll in various public and private universities in the Philippines and in online programs through the University of Arizona.

USAID will work closely with CHED to streamline the admissions process for Burmese students and provide support services to facilitate their transition to studying in Philippine universities, including Batangas State University, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, St. Louis University in Baguio, the University of the Philippines-Diliman, and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños.

The Burmese scholars are expected to arrive in the Philippines by July 2024 to allow them to begin their studies in the coming academic year.

“Through our partnership with USAID, CHED is honored to support Burmese youth in higher education,” said CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III, DPA. “We continuously advocate for equitable, quality, and inclusive higher education, aiming to empower students from all backgrounds. Together, we’re breaking barriers, building bridges, and driving transformative change through higher education.”

USAID’s Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program will provide quality educational opportunities for young community leaders in Burma, especially those from marginalized and vulnerable groups. The program also offers grants to help higher education institutions in Asia strengthen their capacity to support international students by boosting institutional partnerships, growing regional networks, and expanding community service-oriented activities.

“This scholarship program is a strategic investment in higher education institutions in the region,” said USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer. “It recognizes our shared commitment to education as a catalyst for positive change in Burma and around the world.”