The American Spaces PH Conference 2023 was successfully hosted by the American Center Manila with the theme “Amplifying American Corners through Collaborations” at the Savoy Hotel Manila, Newport City, Pasay, Philippines on 15-18 August 2023. The event was participated by the university presidents and representatives, American Corner directors, and coordinators from the fifteen American Corner-hosting institutions across the country. Notably, American Spaces Philippines stands as the largest network of American Spaces in Asia and the fifth globally.
Officials from the US Embassy, University Presidents and Representatives
Fr Mars P Tan SJ (Front Row-third from left)
Joined by fellow university presidents and representatives from American Corner-hosting institutions, XU President Fr Mars P Tan SJ participated in the Executive Session on 15 August while the director and coordinator of the American Corner in Cagayan de Oro, Mr Rule P Redondo and Dr Estrella C Cabudoy, participated in the American Corners Session on 16 and 17 August respectively.
This year’s conference highlighted local and global collaboration opportunities among American Corners and provided a platform for strategic planning sessions for each of the American Corners in preparation for the upcoming fiscal year. The participants also enjoyed an educational tour at De La Salle University (DLSU) Animo Labs, where they explored Makerspaces and Fablab facilities.
Photo opportunity with American Spaces Philippines officials and American Corner directors and coordinators
During the Fellowship Night, AC CdeO was given an award for successfully hosting a hybrid incubation program for local green start-ups.
(With Pauline Anderson, Deputy Public Engagement Attaché, US Embassy in the Philippines and Marcy Carrel, Regional Public Engagement Specialist, Office of American Spaces)
Formerly known as American Studies Resource Center, the American Corner (AC) is a joint partnership project of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and the US Embassy. Established on 19 November 1984, XU has the first established AC in the Philippines and is now part of a network of 15 ACs in the country.
Ateneo de Davao University-Davao City
Ateneo de Zamboanga University-Zamboanga City
Central Philippines University-Iloilo City
De La Salle University-Manila
Mariano Marcos State University-Batac, Ilocos Norte
Mindanao State University-Marawi City
Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi
Notre Dame University- Cotabato City
Notre Dame of Jolo College-Jolo, Sulu
Palawan State University-Puerto Princesa City
Saint Louis University-Baguio City
Siliman University-Dumaguete City
University of Saint La Salle-Bacolod City
University of San Carlos-Cebu City
Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan)-Cagayan de Oro City
This partnership between the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Public Affairs Section and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan through the American Corner for 38 years now has been a valuable component of supporting US public diplomacy initiatives, fostering relationships, promoting bilateral cultural and educational exchanges, and strengthening mutual understanding between the U.S. Embassy and Xavier University and the rest of the American Corner-hosting institutions in the Philippines.