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.

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.

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  

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2024 Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program. For 2024, Filipino participants will be recruited from Albay.

Every year, SEAYLP students are recruited from different areas of the Philippines. In past years, SEAYLP participants have come from Bacolod (2010), Dumaguete (2011), Ilocos Norte (2012), Cebu (2013), Tarlac (2014), Tacloban (2015), Access Schools (2016), Maguindanao (2017), Lanao del Norte (2018), Metro Manila (2019), Palawan (2020), Ilocos Sur (2022), and Bohol (2023).

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The 2024 SEAYLP will convene high school students and adult mentors from the ten ASEAN member countries for a three-week U.S.-based exchange program focused on leadership and youth development. Participants will explore shared challenges faced by the United States and ASEAN member countries through the three pillars of the ASEAN community: political and security cooperation, economic skills-building (through the exchange’s project development), and socio-cultural leadership (through hands-on activities, workshops, seminars, and site visits to foster more substantial communication). During the exchange, participants will also collaborate to develop projects that address the needs of their communities, which they implement upon returning home. English language proficiency is a prerequisite, as activities are conducted entirely in English.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

The 2024 SEAYLP has the following program components:

• U.S. Exchange Program
  The exchange program activities in the United States will emphasize ASEAN identity by organizing participants into multi-country teams to enhance cross-cultural experience wherever possible across the country cohorts. Participants will join workshops, interactive sessions, diplomacy simulations, leadership training, and team-building exercises. They will also join extracurricular activities such as volunteer service opportunities and site visits to relevant organizations in host communities. Adult mentor participants will attend sessions with U.S. adult peers designed to foster networking, leadership, and civic education programs when they return home. All participants will engage in homestays with American families and study tours to Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
• Follow-on Project
  The program includes a strong emphasis on follow-on projects. Participants will be taught to develop plans for follow-on activities and are expected to implement them in their schools and communities upon return home. The implementer will provide mentoring and support of follow-on activities and may provide seed funding.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS

• Youth applicants should:
  1. Be currently enrolled as a student in any high school located in Albay.
  2. Be at least 15 years old and not more than 17 years old by April 20, 2024;
  3. Demonstrate leadership skills with strong potential for advanced leadership roles in the future;
  4. Demonstrate commitment to civic action, strong academic and social skills, and interest in community service;
  5. Have strong English communication skills; and
  6. Have permission from both parent(s)/guardian(s) and schools to participate in the entire program.
• Adult mentor applicants should:
  1. Be a resident of Albay.
  2. Have minimum 2 years of experience working with high school students as a teacher, mentor, coach, or counselor in an official or volunteer capacity;
  3. Age 20-30 years old by April 20, 2024;
  4. Demonstrate strong leadership skills with high potential for advanced leadership roles in the future;
  5. Demonstrate commitment to civic action, strong academic and social skills, and interest in community service;
  6. Have strong English communication skills;
  7. Be a well-respected member their community;
  8. Intend to continue working with youth in their careers; and
  9. Be committed to mentor and guide the selected students before, during, and after the 2024 SEAYLP program

Preference will be given to participants who have not previously traveled to the United States, privately or on any U.S. government-sponsored program.

OTHER ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

• Health Benefits
  Participants will be covered by ECA’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefits program. ASPE is a limited health benefits program that covers medical expenses associated with each illness or accident up to $100,000 per occurrence. ASPE does not cover routine examinations or pre-existing conditions. ASPE information is available at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/USDOS.
• Program Funding
  The program will cover all participant costs, including round-trip international travel, alumni activities, lodging, stipends, all in-country program-related expenses (including domestic travel for visa interviews and/or pre-departure orientation), in-country lodging and expenses, and other program associated costs.

APPLICATION AND PROGRAM TIMELINE

• November 3, 2023: Application Opens
• December 3, 2023: Application Closes
• January 3-5, 2024: Shortlisted applicants will be notified
• January 8-9, 2024: Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed
• April 2024 – Selected participants travel to the United States for SEAYLP

APPLY HERE: https://bit.ly/2024SEAYLP

Application Deadline: December 3, 2023, 11:59 P.M. Philippine Standard Time

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• Due to the number of applications received, the Secretariat may not be able to acknowledge receipt of each application.
• Applicants selected for interviews will be notified via email from January 3-5, 2024.
• Successful applicants will be notified via email. Results will also be posted on the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ official Facebook page.
• For questions, please email usexchangesph@state.gov.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines oversees more than 30 U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs, which are participated by an average of 300 Filipinos and 50 Americans annually.  

There are over 9,000 U.S.-PH Exchange Alumni in the Philippines, represented by 17 program Alumni Associations and 17 YSEALI hubs across the country.

Exchange Alumni Portal  

Past participants in U.S. government exchange programs can join the ExchangeAlumni community and open the door to a world of support, resources, and funding opportunities to help you build on the skills you gained during your exchange program: 

• Gain access to various grant opportunities.  

• Read journals, academic journals, and articles through Gale and EBSCO’s first academic database. 

• Find and connect with fellow ExchangeAlumni locally and globally. 

• Get up-to-date information on live events, such as #MentorTalks, and ExchangeAlumni news. 

There are also resources you can access without logging in, such as the Resources for Entrepreneurs page, where you can find information and programs to help you build your business. 

Follow U.S. International Exchange Alumni – Philippines on Facebook 

Do you have alumni-related questions? Send us an email at alumniphilippines@state.gov 

United States Government Alumni Association (USGAA) 

• Metro Manila 

• Ilocos 

• Bicol 

• Cebu 

• Eastern Visayas 

• Negros Occidental 

• Negros Oriental 

• Marawi (Ranaw) 

• Maguindanao/Cotabato (Magcot) 

• Cagayan de Oro (Bugkos) 

• Bukidnon (Hunglos) 

• Davao 

• Iligan City 

• Zamboanga del Sur 

• Zamboanga City 

• Basilan 

• Soccsksargen (SOX) 

YSEALI Hubs 

• North Luzon 

• Central Luzon 

• South Luzon 

• Metro Manila  

• Central Visayas 

• Eastern Visayas 

• Panay/Guimaras 

• Bicol 

• Bohol 

• Negros Occidental 

• North Mindanao 

• Davao 

• Zamboanga 

• Basilan 

• Eastern Mindanao 

• Sulu 

• Maguindanao-Cotabato 

To view the full list of of U.S. International exchange alumni associations across the Philippines, scan the above QR code or click here.  (Last updated January 31, 2025)

Manila, December 8, 2020 — On December 7, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. led the opening of the International Visitor Leadership Program’s (IVLP) 80^th Anniversary Week Celebration.  A week-long series of virtual engagements – from December 7 to 11 – will highlight the contributions that Philippine IVLP alumni have made to community and national development.

The IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship professional exchange program that annually sends nearly 5,000 current and emerging leaders worldwide on short visits to the United States to meet with American counterparts for knowledge sharing, professional networking, and cultural and social activities.  The IVLP experience enables leaders to return to their home countries with new ideas and expanded networks so they can be even more effective in their advocacies and careers.

Since its launch in 1940, IVLP has produced more than 225,000 alumni, including more than 500 heads of state or government.  More than 2,000 Filipinos have participated in the program.

“As an alumnus of the program, I can tell you from firsthand experience that I have only positive takeaways from the program,” Secretary Locsin remarked of his participation in the IVLP in 1997.  He added, “the program has been a channel for synergy, construction and deconstruction, proliferation of ideas, and transformation.”

Chargé d’Affaires Law explained, “Alumni of U.S. exchange programs like IVLP have consistently been our most outstanding partners for making a difference in people’s lives.”

To highlight the impact IVLP alumni have on their communities, the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy launched an online #FacesofExchange campaign.  The Embassy also will host a series of online discussions that feature the work of IVLP alumni in different fields:

• On December 8, IVLP women entrepreneur alumni will host an online discussion about women supporting each other to start new businesses;
• On December 9, IVLP alumni who lead community volunteer initiatives will discuss how they manage to promote volunteerism and civic engagement even during the COVID-19 pandemic;
• On December 10, IVLP alumni who advocate for juvenile justice and welfare will discuss their work; and
• On December 11, IVLP alumni who lead peacebuilding initiatives in Mindanao will share how they promote peace education in their schools and universities. IVLP alumnus and artist AG Saño will also lead volunteers for a peace art project in Luneta Park.

During his remarks to Filipino IVLP alums, U.S. Department of State Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Education and Cultural Affairs Matthew Lussenhop emphasized that exchange programs such as IVLP enrich U.S. relationships with other countries, noting that exchange programs “helps transform people, transform relationships, allow foreign audiences to meet American counterparts, and to build up those ties between people.”

IVLP 80^th anniversary week activities will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/ExchangeAlumniPH.  For more information about the IVLP and the IVLP 80^th anniversary celebration worldwide, visit https://eca.state.gov/ivlp and  https://eca.state.gov/facesofexchange/.

Manila, June 11, 2019 — The U.S. Embassy, in partnership with the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), recognized the accomplishments of Karen Davila of ABS-CBN and Dr. Marylendra “Neth” Penetrante of the Children & Youth Wellness Technical and Advocacy Center by awarding them with the 2019 Ninoy and Cory Aquino Awards for Journalism and Public Service, respectively.  Ambassador Sung Y. Kim and Viel Aquino-Dee presented the awards at an annual gathering of alumni of the U.S. government’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Community Solutions Program, and the Study of the United States Institutes in Manila on June 8.

Since 1988, the Embassy and NCAF have presented the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Awards annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to Philippine society in the fields of journalism and public service.  The awards commemorate the accomplishments of the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. and late President Cory Aquino, which strengthened free press, civil society, and democratic institutions in the Philippines.

Davila is a TV and radio journalist, news anchor, and host at ABS-CBN.  Ambassador Kim noted, “[Karen] has used her television and radio platforms to enhance her audience’s understanding of current events, break news, analyze political developments, ask tough questions, and hold officials accountable.”

Penetrante authored “Fight the Bully Battle,” a book that discusses how to establish anti-bullying programs in schools.  “Dr. Penetrante works for peace and security in her community by leading her team in delivering trainings and psychosocial services like counselling, therapy, coaching, psychological evaluation, and psycho-education interventions to help children, teens, and families- especially those who have experienced conflict and trauma,” Ambassador Kim said.

Both awardees were selected to participate in 2019 IVLP projects.  In March, Penetrante attended an IVLP project on Women Leaders Promoting Peace and Security.  Davila will join the Edward R. Murrow IVLP for Journalists on Research and Investigation in September.

The IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program that fosters international understanding through the exchange of ideas between the people of the United States and other countries.  Since the first Filipino joined an IVLP in 1950, more than 2,000 emerging Filipino leaders have participated in the program.

Information on U.S. Embassy educational and professional exchange opportunities can be found at https://ph.usembassy.gov/education-culture/.