Joined by fellow university executives from the fifteen American Corner-hosting institutions, XU President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ participated in the American Spaces Philippines Conference held on 19 to 21 August 2025, at the Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu, with the theme “Resolving on the past, learning from the present, and shaping the future of American Spaces.” Accompanying him were the director and coordinator of the American Corner Cagayan de Oro, Mr Rule P Redondo and Dr Estrella C Cabudoy.

United States Embassy Officials and University Executives
Fr Mars P Tan, SJ (Front Row-first from right)

This conference served as a forum to highlight shared priorities and goals, important updates, program plans, and directions for the next fiscal year. The session also served as a venue for the ACs to conduct strategic planning and to pitch their program and budget proposals for the upcoming funding cycle.

Joint Plenary and Workshop Sessions

During the Fellowship Night, AC Cagayan de Oro received an award for its outstanding implementation of the Cultural Exchange and Community Outreach at the Talaandig Ancestral Territory in Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon. This remarkable initiative, held in celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace and the Xavier University Festival Days, engaged the Lumads and highlighted the interconnectedness of individuals as well as their shared responsibility in building a foundation for genuine peace and meaningful development.

United States Embassy Officials, American Corner Directors, and Coordinators

This annual three-day conference fostered meaningful discussions, experiential learning, and building of new connections among participants from across the country. It not only highlighted best practices in cultural exchange and community engagement but also strengthened collaboration among American Corner-hosting institutions and the United States Embassy in the Philippines. Truly, it was a successful conference that reaffirmed the vital role of American Corners.

(The American Corner Cagayan de Oro is a joint partnership project of Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan and the United States Embassy in the Philippines. Established as the first American Corner in the country. For 41 years, AC CdeO has played a vital role in supporting United States public diplomacy initiatives, fostering relationships, promoting cultural and educational exchanges, and strengthening mutual understanding between the United States Embassy, Xavier University, and other American Corner–hosting institutions nationwide.)