Manila, January 17, 2025—The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will help implement a new partnership between the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Region 2 and the Partnership for Development Assistance in the Philippines (PDAP) that will expand efforts to counter human trafficking in Cagayan Valley (Region 2). 

“This partnership with USAID is not merely anchored on the similarity of our programs.  We share the noble goal and common desire to end this massive humanitarian challenge in human trafficking,” IACAT Region 2 Chairperson Rommel Baligod said at the signing of the memorandum of agreement between IACAT Region 2 and PDAP at the Department of Justice Region 2 office in Tuguegarao City on January 16.  “With this partnership that we forged with PDAP and USAID, it is our greatest hope that we will see significant strides in our campaign against human trafficking.” 

“The United States and the Philippines share a firm commitment to end trafficking in persons. ​ ​Through this partnership, we will strengthen local systems to protect individuals vulnerable to trafficking and promote the long-term safety of communities across the Cagayan Valley region,” said USAID Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks. 

Under the partnership, USAID, IACAT Region 2, and PDAP will combat trafficking in persons by creating public advocacy campaigns to reach vulnerable populations, training frontline workers to improve their responsiveness, strengthening anti-trafficking efforts in schools and local communities, and assisting in the development and amendment of local ordinances to protect trafficking victims. 

In 2019, USAID launched the eight-year, Php364 million ($6.5 million) Strengthening Local Systems and Partnerships for a More Effective and Sustainable Counter-Trafficking in Persons (Strength CTIP) Program with PDAP.  Under this program, USAID and PDAP are working together to end trafficking in persons, protect survivors, prosecute perpetrators, and foster multi-sector collaboration aligned with the recommendations of the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report and the Philippine government’s National Strategic Action Plan Against TIP.  

“The forms and challenges of human trafficking have changed dramatically.  PDAP will equip the region with effective community-based tools and models that our partners in nine other regions have used in countering trafficking in persons,” said Strength CTIP Chief of Party Eugenio Gonzales. 

For more information about USAID’s efforts to prevent trafficking in persons, visit www.usaid.gov/trafficking. 

Manila, December 17, 2024—From December 2 to 6, the United States Peace Corps, in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), hosted its second workshop on Marine Protected Area (MPA) management in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.  The event brought together 23 Peace Corps Volunteers, 47 local government partners, and 12 fisherfolk leaders from 24 communities across the Philippines to learn new strategies on marine protection.

The Philippines’ rich marine biodiversity faces a number of critical threats.  To address this challenge, the workshop provided a platform for participants to exchange best practices in MPA management, explore strategies for managing interconnected MPAs, and to learn about biodiversity monitoring and assessment.  Participants also learned practical approaches to managing fisheries, new tools for studying marine life, and strategies for promoting a sustainable marine resource economy—methods designed to balance marine conservation with economic growth in coastal communities.

“Through this workshop, we have brought local communities together to build relationships and promote knowledge exchange needed to protect their marine resources and promote sustainable growth.  By working together, we can build a brighter future for our oceans,” said Matthew Tully, Peace Corps Director for Program and Training.

This workshop also highlighted local success stories on MPA management, including Oriental Mindoro’s “STAR MPA Awards,” which celebrate community efforts in marine conservation.  Puerto Galera showcased its environmental initiatives, emphasizing how a well-managed marine ecosystem can support livelihoods and boost the local economy.  Field visits to marine and mangrove conservation areas in Oriental Mindoro also provided participants with valuable hands-on learning experiences.

“The United States counts the Philippines among its closest friends, partners, and allies, and that cooperation is very apparent in this workshop.  I wish the participants the best of luck and utmost success in pushing forward these marine protection efforts in their respective communities,” said Ryder Rogers, Director of USAID’s Environment Office.

The Peace Corps is the U.S. government’s premier volunteer organization and has supported Filipino communities across the country for more than 60 years.  Since 1961, over 9,300 Peace Corps Volunteers have worked alongside Filipino communities to support sustainable development and create lasting impacts nationwide.

Manila, December 13, 2024—In commemoration of Human Rights Day, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and The Asia Foundation launched on December 12 a Php16.8-million ($300,000) initiative that will strengthen the capacity of human rights organizations in the Philippines to thwart cybersecurity threats, including doxing, phishing, and organized digital attacks. 

As part of USAID and The Asia Foundation’s ongoing Initiative for Advancing Community Transformation (I-ACT) project, the “Cybersecurity for Human Rights in the Philippines” (C4HR-PH) initiative will provide tools and training to more than 150 local organizations across the country over ten months. 

Cybersecurity experts from The Asia Foundation will work closely with national human rights coalitions to design and deliver trainings in risk management, digital security assessments, phishing awareness, and the adoption of cybersecurity protocols such as multi-factor authentication and regular data backups.

The tools and knowledge provided through C4HR-PH will help human rights defenders conduct their crucial advocacy work, safeguard private data, and advance justice and accountability without disruption or retribution. 

“Now more than ever, civil society organizations are reliant on technology and the internet to operate and pursue our advocacies,” said Sheila Formento, National Coordinator of the Alternative Law Groups, a coalition of organizations that provide legal services to marginalized communities.  “We welcome this partnership as it helps us protect our members who are constantly online and vulnerable to cyberattacks.” 

C4HR-PH underscores USAID’s commitment to fostering secure, empowered, and resilient organizations that can continue their critical work of promoting human rights and democracy. 

“Cyber resilience is not just about protecting data; it is about ensuring that democracy defenders can continue their vital work without fear of digital interference,” USAID Philippines Acting Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks said during the launch event attended by human rights advocates, cybersecurity experts, and other stakeholders.  “This initiative reflects USAID’s commitment to fostering a safe and open digital space for civil society.” 

“Civil society organizations are considered a high-risk community for cyberattacks because they can become under direct threat of malicious attackers but have limited defense capabilities.  This crucial program will give our participants the tools and knowledge to better prevent disruptions, defend themselves, and continue to advance the work that they do,” said The Asia Foundation Philippines Country Representative Sam Chittick. 

Manila, December 3, 2024—The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), recently donated more than Php7.6 million ($136,000) worth of educational materials to support the continuity of learning for more than 18,500 students in areas severely affected by recent typhoons in the Bicol region. 

USAID Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines (ABC+) Chief of Party Ina Aquino handed over the educational materials to Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and DepEd Region V Director Gilbert Sadsad at Bula Central School in Bula, Camarines Sur, on December 2. 

This donation demonstrates the United States’ ongoing commitment to help communities rebuild and enable children to return to school despite the setbacks caused by typhoons and flooding.

“We recognize that education is not just a means of learning, but a lifeline that helps restore hope and builds resilience,” USAID Philippines Acting Education Office Director Yvette Malcioln said.  “We hope that these resources will help students and teachers recover and ensure that education can continue despite disruptions to learning caused by recent disasters.” 

The aid package includes 18,600 learner kits and 8,884 early grade reading materials that will help guarantee learning continuity for students in kindergarten through grade three.  USAID also donated 528 teacher kits that will support teaching staff across 54 affected schools in the region. 

“The Department faced a challenge in printing textbooks.  USAID and the ABC+ project came to our aid by providing us with materials and books for the children.  They did not skimp on the quality of their materials and their assistance to us,” Secretary Angara said.  “We are grateful to USAID and the ABC+ project.”  

These educational materials are in addition to Php336 million ($6 million) in assistance that the United States has provided to support the Philippine government’s response and deliver lifesaving assistance to communities affected by tropical storms, typhoons, and subsequent flooding since October 25. 

Manila, November 15, 2024—On November 13, the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), donated over 200,000 learning materials worth Php25 million ($450,000) to Philippine government agencies that support educational, skill-building, and employment programs for out-of-school youth.

USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn led the handover ceremony during the USAID Opportunity 2.0 Youth and Partners Summit in Quezon City, which gathered around 500 youth development champions from across the Philippines.  The donation, which consists of various educational resources such as life skills and work-readiness training modules, entrepreneurship guidebooks, and teachers’ manuals, will benefit programs like the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) technical-vocational training programs, and the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Youth Entrepreneurship Program. 

“USAID is proud to empower out-of-school youth by helping them acquire the skills and training needed to find good jobs and begin building careers,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Washburn. “Our partnerships with DepEd, TESDA, DTI and other government partners grew out of our shared vision for creating a supportive learning environment for out-of-school youth across the Philippines.” 

The donation also includes manuals for local governments on establishing local networks that address the needs of out-of-school youth, as well as guidebooks and handouts for colleges and universities that support out-of-school youth programs.   

In his message, DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said that USAID’s O2 program “has shown us what is possible in the Alternative Learning System: a thriving program fostered by an open partnership.  Thousands of out-of-school youth across the Philippines have benefitted from its well-crafted and targeted interventions.” 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, representing the 15 city partners of the O2 program at the summit, cited how the program has helped create “more resources, improved access to education and training, expanded entrepreneurial opportunities for youth, and reconnect the out-of-school youth to the formal education system.”  

Since its inception in 2020, USAID’s O2 program has reached over 90,000 youth across the Philippines through DepEd, TESDA, higher education institutions, and other local service partners.  More than 82,000 young people have completed workforce development training, and more than 6,400 educators and administrators from DepEd and TESDA have learned innovative teaching strategies geared toward the learning needs of out-of-school youth.  Over 2,200 businesses have also provided work-based learning, career guidance and coaching, and employment opportunities for out-of-school youth. 

Co-designed with DepEd and TESDA, USAID’s O2 program is implemented by the U.S.-based Education Development Center in partnership with Accenture, Catholic Relief Services, Philippine Business for Education, SEAMEO INNOTECH, and Voluntary Services Overseas.
 

Manila, November 14, 2024—The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an additional Php196 million ($3.5 million) to support the Philippine government’s response to Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Tropical Storm Trami. 

Through this assistance, USAID will support logistics and provide clean water, sanitation, shelter, and cash assistance to help residents in the most affected areas of Bicol and Batangas meet their basic needs.  This assistance is also supporting communities that have been affected by subsequent disasters. 

This new funding is in addition to the Php84 million ($1.5 million) announced in October to provide emergency shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene assistance, and critical logistics support, raising the total value of U.S. support for the Philippines’ disaster response to Php280 million ($5 million). 

“As your friend, partner, and ally, the United States is committed to working with the Philippine government and people as they rebuild and recover,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said. 

Since October 25, the United States has been working with humanitarian partners to deliver lifesaving assistance to communities affected by tropical storms, typhoons, and subsequent flooding.  The Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense (OCD) distributed 1,500 shelter-grade tarpaulins and 1,500 kitchen sets funded by USAID to disaster-affected families in Albay and Camarines Sur.  These relief items were prepositioned in the OCD humanitarian relief depot at Fort Magsaysay, an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site in Nueva Ecija. 

USAID and IOM are working together to assist more than 4,000 families in the Bicol region, Ilocos region, and Batangas by providing shelter grade tarpaulins, shelter repair kits, and WASH kits.  Through USAID funding, the United Nations World Food Programme also mobilized 92 trucks that supported Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development in delivering more than 150,000 family food packs and other relief items to Albay, Benguet, Camarines Sur, Ilocos Norte, and La Union. 

This new assistance builds on the United States’ previous support to Philippine government’s disaster response efforts, including during catastrophic flooding in Mindanao in February, Super Typhoon Carina in July, and Super Typhoon Julian in October. 

Since 2010, the United States government has provided more than Php22 billion ($393.6 million) in disaster relief, preparedness, and early recovery in the Philippines. USAID works year-round to help communities build resilience in preparing for, and responding to, the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters. 

Manila, October 29, 2024—The United States government is providing Php84 million ($1.5 million) to support the Philippine government’s response to Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami.

This funding will augment the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) ongoing efforts to deliver lifesaving assistance that will help individuals severely affected by the storm in the Bicol region and Batangas recover safely and with dignity. Through this funding, USAID will provide access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, emergency shelter, and cash assistance. USAID will also provide logistical support in the management of evacuation centers.

On October 27, USAID supported the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in dispatching 1,500 shelter-grade tarpaulins and 1,500 household relief kits to the Bicol region through a C-130 provided by the Singaporean government. These disaster relief items were prepositioned in the OCD humanitarian relief depot at Fort Magsaysay, an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site in Nueva Ecija.

U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. launched this critical joint humanitarian prepositioning effort in September.

“My heart goes out to all those suffering the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Kristine,” Ambassador Carlson said. “We are working side by side with the Philippine government to bring relief to communities in need.”

Since October 25, the United States has worked with humanitarian partners to deliver lifesaving humanitarian relief material prepositioned across the country. With USAID funding, the World Food Programme mobilized 33 trucks to support the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development in delivering more than 53,000 family food packs and other relief items to the Bicol region.

This assistance builds on the U.S. government’s previous support to Philippine government’s disaster response efforts, such as during the massive flooding in Mindanao in February, Super Typhoon Carina in July, and Super Typhoon Julian earlier in October.

Since 2010, the U.S. government has provided more than Php21.85 billion ($390.2 million) in disaster relief, preparedness, and early recovery in the Philippines. USAID works year-round to help communities build resilience in preparing for, and responding to, the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters.

Manila, October 28, 2024—On October 24, the Philippines and the United States held their third Maritime Dialogue in Manila where the two sides underscored their shared commitment to strengthening compliance with international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.  They also stressed the importance of the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea. 

First held in 2022, the Maritime Dialogue serves as a platform to improve maritime policy and operational coordination between the United States and the Philippines.

Led by Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Marshall Louis Alferez and U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary Mahlet Mesfin, the delegates reviewed ongoing cooperative efforts and discussed ways for the two sides to jointly address current challenges and shared maritime concerns, particularly in the South China Sea.

Both sides also discussed deepening cooperation on maritime law enforcement, including capacity building of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); addressing the impact of climate change and sea level rise; and countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF).   

Representatives from the defense, justice, foreign affairs, security, fisheries, environment, and law enforcement agencies of both sides participated in the discussion, including Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Maritime Julius Yano, Philippine National Security Council Assistant Director General Francis Jude Lauengco, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, and U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary Brandon Yoder. 

During the Maritime Dialogue, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement announced Php450 million ($8 million) in new funding for the modernization of the PCG.  This funding will support the PCG’s infrastructure enhancements, training program development, and resource acquisition and management planning. 

The U.S. and Philippine governments decided to convene the Maritime Dialogue at the 11th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C., in April 2024 to build upon the outcomes of prior dialogues and exchanges.  

Manila, October 25, 2024—The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), recently partnered with the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide specialized training for 24 DOJ prosecutors to enhance their expertise in handling environmental crimes.

Facilitated by USAID-trained experts from the DOJ, the training was held in Pampanga and Bataan from October 15 to 18 as part of USAID’s Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (SIBOL) project.  The participants underwent mock court proceedings involving actual expert witnesses and environmental law enforcement officers, as well as crime scene investigation simulations within Bataan Natural Park.  These exercises enhanced the state prosecutors’ knowledge about crime scene investigation, evidence handling, and case building.

The training ensures that strong evidence is collected before cases are filed, increasing the chances of successful convictions and strengthening the DOJ’s efforts to effectively safeguard protected areas under Philippine law.

“USAID, through the SIBOL project, is proud to support the DOJ in improving the capacity of state prosecutors to tackle environmental crimes through practical, hands-on training,” said Thomas Kaluzny, Deputy Director of USAID Philippines’ Environment Office.

“We do not just want prosecutors to be skilled in investigating and prosecuting cases, but we also want (them) to live by the principles of environmental leadership,” said DOJ Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Hazel Decena-Valdez.

Since 2022, USAID has trained 209 prosecutors in environmental law enforcement and supported the DOJ in developing additional courses on illegal wildlife trade, forestry, and fisheries.  USAID, through the SIBOL project, works with partners from the Philippine government, private sector, and civil society to strengthen science-based decision-making and address threats to biodiversity created by unsustainable practices, irresponsible tourism, and environmental crimes.

Manila, October 24, 2024—The United States Peace Corps, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), recently launched the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Toolkit, a comprehensive training guide designed to help Peace Corps Volunteers and their partner communities build resilience by enhancing their disaster preparedness capability.  

The DRR Toolkit contains resources on developing disaster preparedness strategies, conducting risk assessments, managing community resources, and strengthening early warning systems.  As an inclusive training guide, the DRR Toolkit promotes the active participation of all community members in pre-disaster planning.

From October 14 to 18, the Peace Corps gathered 28 of its Volunteers, staff, and work partners from the Philippine government and non-government institutions for an orientation-training based on the DRR Toolkit in San Mateo, Rizal.  Funded by USAID, the training program deepened collaboration and knowledge exchange between the Peace Corps and its work partners, helping strengthen the disaster preparedness programs of local communities.

“The DRR Toolkit is a vital resource for helping communities build resilience and reduce the impact of disasters and extreme weather events,” said Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Marguerite Roy.

“The toolkit is very inclusive and can be easily integrated and used as a guide in the participatory planning and mentoring activities in the communities,” said Engineer Raoul Cam of the City Planning and Development Office of Ormoc City, Leyte.  “I will be glad to endorse the toolkit to my colleagues in the local government unit and partners in other sectors that are involved in the DRR advocacy.”

To help participants observe DRR practices in action, they also visited the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) office and the Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Since its establishment in 1961, over 9,300 Peace Corps Volunteers have served alongside host communities across the Philippines to address the country’s most pressing development priorities, including the disaster preparedness of vulnerable communities.