Manila, October 28, 2020 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines launched the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) by launching a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) with more than 150 women entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners in the Philippines.

AWE is part of the White House-led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative to empower women worldwide to fulfill their economic potential and create conditions for increased stability, security, and prosperity.  W-GDP aims to reach 50 million women by 2025.  This year, more than 5,000 women from more than 50 countries will participate in AWE.  In the Philippines, the American Corners Bacolod and Marawi are facilitating the program.  Three more Philippine cities are expected to launch the program in 2021.

“AWE comes to Marawi City at the most opportune time,” said American Corner Marawi Director and Fulbright alum Elin Anisha Guro.  “AWE is strategically positioned to train, equip, empower, and guide these new and experienced entrepreneurs as they struggle to adapt to a new business normal to achieve their personal and community goals.”

“AWE Bacolod will help aspiring young women entrepreneurs, housewives, and out-of-school youth build networks,” said American Corner Bacolod Director Ma. Girlie de Guzman.

The first cohort of 160 Filipina AWE students are expected to graduate by the end of the year.

About American Spaces Philippines

American Spaces in the Philippines are collaborative and innovative resource spaces where a diverse range of people can connect, discover, share, and be empowered by new ideas, skills, and opportunities that can bring positive change to individual lives and communities.  American Spaces are located at 14 different universities across the Philippines.  For more information, visit americanspacesph.org.

Manila, October 13, 2020 — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided an additional Php73 million ($1.5 million) in food assistance to support displaced families in Lanao del Sur province.  This brings the total U.S. commitment to humanitarian and recovery work in and around Marawi to more than Php3.1 billion ($65.1 million).

With this funding, USAID is providing food aid to more than 8,000 highly vulnerable persons to help meet their essential nutritional needs.  Families will receive electronic cash transfers that enable them to purchase food in local markets.  This assistance has been complemented by a messaging campaign promoting safe hygiene practices to equip communities with the knowledge and skills they need to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has stripped many households of vital sources of income and made those displaced by conflict especially vulnerable,” U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law said.  “As friends, partners, and allies, the United States continues to support the people of Marawi to overcome this health crisis and continue on their path to long-term recovery.”

This new food aid builds upon ongoing USAID assistance that supports 3,700 displaced families and improves nutrition for 5,000 children and 6,000 pregnant women and lactating mothers.

The assistance also complements USAID’s work with Lanao communities under its Marawi Response Project (MRP).  As of July 2020, MRP has provided micro-grants to more than 1,000 displaced entrepreneurs, as well as communities, to revive their economic livelihoods and create jobs.  MRP social cohesion micro-grants, which include small-scale infrastructure support, have benefited more than 14,000 displaced persons and host families.  To address COVID-19, MRP is providing training, protective gear, and disinfectants to more than 3,300 public health workers.  Also, USAID-supported handwashing, sanitation, and information support has reached almost 185,000 citizens in Lanao.

About USAID

The U.S. Agency for International Development administers U.S. foreign assistance programs, providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide.

Hanggang Sa Muli: An Unforgettable Four Years

By U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim

It is with a heavy but full heart that I bid farewell to the Philippines, my home for the last four years.  As I think back to my November 2016 swearing in, I recall vividly the immense pride I felt at being appointed U.S. Ambassador to our oldest ally in Asia.  Coming from Los Angeles, the U.S. city home to the largest number of Filipino-Americans, I had experienced the unique generosity, warmth, and hospitality of the Filipino people.  But I could have never imagined the incredible journey ahead.  From our partnership to end the Marawi Siege, to the historic return of the Balangiga bells, to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic — time and time again I was amazed at what Americans and Filipinos could achieve together.  When I depart, I will take with me many indelible memories.

One of them was visiting Marawi City not long after the end of the siege.  While the massive destruction caused by the terrorists was heartbreaking, I saw the best of humanity in the strength and resilience of the Marawi people.  During a meeting with teachers and students, I was awestruck by their positive attitude, energy, and resolve to rebuild.  Since the onset of the conflict, we have provided more than Php3.1 billion to support the recovery of their communities.  Philippine military leaders briefed me on the siege and recounted the critical assistance we provided to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines defeat the IS-inspired terrorists.  Testifying to the strength of the alliance, President Trump, like so many of his predecessors, visited the Philippines within the first year of taking office, and the Philippines continues to be the largest recipient of U.S. military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region.

This alliance did not happen overnight.  On the battlefields of World War II, American and Filipino servicemen forged bonds that laid the foundation of our alliance, a bedrock of peace and security for our nations and the region.  In recognition of our deep gratitude to those who fought so bravely for our freedom, in 2018, I had the honor of presiding over the first-ever Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in the Philippines.  And this past year, we joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines and veterans groups to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the end of World War II, honoring the shared sacrifice and heroism of Filipinos and Americans, whether they defended Bataan, fought in Corregidor, or liberated Manila.  Their poignant stories will remain with me for the rest of my life.

In addition to our security alliance, we share a robust economic partnership that creates jobs, builds skills, and supports inclusive development.  U.S. companies are the largest employers and electronic exporters, and among the largest taxpayers in the Philippines.  From Bohol, to Davao, to Cebu, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact U.S. companies are making by investing in their Filipino workforce.  In the face of the pandemic, U.S. companies stood by their Philippine partners, providing medical supplies, IT support, and food for frontliners.  The U.S. government has provided more than Php1 billion to support Philippine government COVID-19 efforts, including the recent donation of state-of-the-art ventilators manufactured in the Unites States.

I depart optimistic about the future of the U.S.-Philippines alliance in large part due to the outstanding Filipino youth I met throughout my tenure.  Alumni of our Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative inspired through their dedication to community and country, while Filipino teams impressed with technological innovations in global NASA competitions.  Enthusiastic U.S.-bound students I met at our EducationUSA fairs will spark new collaborations with American classmates.  As Honorary Chairperson with Fulbright Philippines, I learned from the best and brightest Filipino students and academics.  Recognizing the unlimited potential of these ties, our governments elevated higher education cooperation to a bilateral strategic priority.  This mutual investment reinforces our shared values as democracies and underscores that the Philippines’ greatest resource has, and always will be, its people.

Whether watching college basketball, meeting Filipino youth, or traveling to stunning destinations, I’ve been inspired and energized by the promise of this dynamic country and the depth of our special partnership.  The next time I wear a barong, enjoy lechon, crispy tilapia, or buko pandan with my wife and daughters, we will remember with fondness the wonderful friendships we made here.  It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in the Philippines these past four years.  With profound gratitude I bid the Philippines and my Filipino friends farewell and say maraming, maraming, salamat, and until next time – hanggang sa muli!

Manila, June 5, 2020 – The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announced today that the U.S. government is providing an additional Php201 million ($4 million) to help support vulnerable populations in Mindanao in the fight against COVID-19, bringing the total amount of U.S. pandemic assistance to the Philippines to over Php978 million ($19.5 million).

On June 2, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim met virtually with Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officials, led by Chief Minister Ahod ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim, who also chairs the BARMM Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19, and reiterated U.S. commitment to partnering with the Philippines to address COVID-19 in the region.  The meeting provided an opportunity for BARMM leadership to discuss challenges and present its COVID-19 contingency plan, while Ambassador Kim and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Lawrence Hardy provided updates on U.S. COVID-19 assistance.

“In these trying times, I am inspired by the resilience and courage of the Filipino people,” said Ambassador Kim.  “The United States and the Philippines have met and overcome many challenges together, and I am confident that working together we will overcome this challenge as well.”

With the additional $4 million in humanitarian assistance, USAID will protect vulnerable populations – those displaced by conflict and the recent earthquakes in Mindanao – from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  USAID and its partners will work with local governments, local health authorities, and communities so that vulnerable populations have access to the most accurate and up-to-date health messages.

USAID partners will reach over 100,000 persons with distributions of essential hygiene supplies, handwashing stations, hygiene promotion to reduce transmission risk and help communities re-open.  USAID will also continue to provide vital water supply in transitory sites in Lanao del Sur for families displaced by the Marawi Siege and in North Cotabato for earthquake-affected communities.

The United States has provided more than Php228 billion ($4.5 billion) in development assistance to the Philippines over the past 20 years, including over Php29 billion ($582 million) in health assistance.

Manila, January 17, 2020 — The United States awarded six micro-grants to community groups composed of Marawi’s displaced citizens and their host families.  Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Emmanuel Piñol joined U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Economic Development and Governance Chief Jeffrey Lehrer at the grants handover ceremony on Wednesday, January 15, in Iligan.

Each micro-grant is valued at Php260,000 ($5,000) and will support community learning facilities, including training spaces and daycare centers.

The micro-grants are part of USAID’s three-year, Php1.35 billion ($25 million) Marawi Response Project, which supports the economic recovery and social cohesion of displaced and host communities in Marawi, Lanao Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte, and Iligan.  Launched in 2018, the project is a partnership between USAID and international non-governmental organization Plan International, with support from local organizations Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits, Inc. and Maranao People Development Center, Inc.

“The U.S. government, in partnership with the Philippine government, is committed to supporting Lanao communities in their journey to recovery,” said Lehrer in his message to grant recipients.  Representatives of Task Force Bangon Marawi, Lanao Del Sur provincial government, and city governments of Marawi and Iligan joined the event.

Ms. Nikki Macaraub, a beneficiary of the Marawi Response Project, worked with others in her community to set up a learning center for livelihood opportunities.  “Now that we have a facility for teaching sewing and dressmaking, we can help more displaced women like me restart businesses to support our families to rebuild our lives,” said Macaraub.

To date, the United States, through USAID, has committed more than Php3.4 billion ($63.6 million) for humanitarian and recovery work in and around Marawi.

Jalilah and her family are among more than 30,000 Marawi residents who have benefitted from temporary shelters provided by the U.S. government.  An added Php234 million in U.S. government funding will provide shelter assistance to 2,600 additional individuals.  (Photo credit: Tiffany Tsang, Catholic Relief Services)

Manila, July 18, 2019 —The U.S. government is providing an additional Php234 million ($4.5 million) in humanitarian assistance to bolster relief and recovery efforts for individuals affected by the Marawi conflict.

This new contribution to the Marawi humanitarian response brings the U.S. government’s total commitment to Marawi recovery to more than Php3.4 billion ($63.6 million).  The additional funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will help approximately 50,000 internally displaced persons in Marawi and 9,000 in Maguindanao.

“The U.S. government remains committed to supporting the Philippine government in helping restore normalcy in the lives of the Filipinos affected by the Marawi conflict,” said U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim.  “This new assistance reflects the strong bond between the U.S. and the Philippines as friends, partners, and allies.”

The new U.S. government resources will provide 2,600 individuals with emergency shelter assistance, in addition to the nearly 33,000 individuals who have previously benefitted.  USAID will deepen its existing efforts within Marawi City and Lanao del Sur province to expand water and sanitation services and enhance safe spaces to protect women and children from exploitation and violence.  The new funds will augment ongoing U.S. government support to the Philippine government in providing life-saving aid and improving economic and social conditions for vulnerable populations.

Since the early stages of the conflict, the U.S. government has worked to improve conditions in evacuation centers and host communities while providing essential maternal, newborn, and child health supplies, as well as related training for affected populations.  In recent months, the U.S. government has provided livelihood support to nearly 7,500 displaced households, daily water delivery to more than 6,000 internally displaced persons, and hygiene kits and education for more than 30,000 people.

To advance lasting peace in Mindanao, U.S. government programs are helping young people enhance their job skills and attain livelihoods, promoting positive engagement among communities, and enhancing participation in local governance.

About USAID

USAID is the lead U.S. government agency for international development and disaster assistance.  In the Philippines, USAID partners with the national government to build a more stable, prosperous, and well-governed nation.  For more information, visit https://www.usaid.gov/philippines or email infoph@usaid.gov.

Cebu City, February 14, 2019 — The U.S. and Philippine governments celebrated the accomplishments of a six-year U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) project that has worked to improve peace and stability in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.  The Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE) project is a six-year, Php 860 million U.S.-Philippine partnership to advance social and economic inclusion and stability by empowering communities to participate in effective and inclusive governance.

From February 11 to 13, 150 ENGAGE stakeholders from across Mindanao shared best practices and lessons learned in order to sustain their work after the project concludes in April.  Participants included mayors and governors, representatives from high schools and community service organizations, as well as officials from the Department of Interior and Local Government, Mindanao Development Authority, Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process, Task Force Bangon Marawi, Bangsamoro Development Authority, and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

At the conference, USAID Acting Mission Director Denny Robertson noted, “The U.S. government remains committed to promoting peace and development.  We must continue to do so both collaboratively and sustainably, in partnership with national and local governments, the private sector, and most importantly, communities.”

USAID’s ENGAGE project partnered with local government leaders and over 8,000 individuals — including women and youth — to jointly address communities’ concerns.  To further strengthen civic engagement, USAID trained more than 30 civil society organizations to advocate for citizens’ needs and represent public interests to local governments.  As a result, these local governments have improved accountability and responsiveness, including by allocating larger budgets to improve public services.

In one example of an ENGAGE outcome, local government leaders mobilized following the siege in Marawi to coordinate recovery and rehabilitation efforts.  The project also supported 47 barangays hosting internally displaced persons in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.  Assistance for these communities included installing solar street lights, upgrading barangay halls and water distribution systems, delivering health services equipment, and providing training and materials for livelihoods such as farming, carpentry, sewing, and food service.