Philippine NewsWeekly Series

In Memoriam Founding Director Roberto R. Romulo

In Memoriam Roberto “Bobby” Romulo December 9, 1938 – January 23, 2022 The US-Philippines Society deeply mourns the passing of Founding Director Roberto “Bobby” Romulo, at 83 on January 23, 2022 in Manila. In 2012, he helped to spearhead an initiative to form the US-Philippines Society and gathered support widely …

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Philippine NewsWeekly Series

In Memoriam PH National Artist Frankie José

The US-Philippines Society joins Filipinos, Americans and the global literary community in mourning the passing of 2001 Philippine National Artist for Literature, Francisco Sionil “Frankie” José, age 97, on Thursday, January 6. A nationalist and prolific writer, he was known for his five-novel epic “The Rosales Sage,” consisting of The …

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Weekly Series

Embassy Officials Awarded Highest Presidential Awards For Exemplary Service

The US-Philippines Society joins in saluting Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin for their commitment to and effective work in strengthening the US-Philippines relationship amid so many real-world challenges. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte decorated Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Romualdez with the Order …

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Strategic and PoliticalWeekly Series

Weekly Issues | President Duterte at UNGA

September 25, 2020 Featured Contributor Chairman of the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation for Peace and Development Founding Director of the US-Philippines Society His article appeared in the Philippine Star and is shared with the Society’s online readership, with the author’s permission. Although it took the President four years into his …

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Cultural and EducationalWeekly Series

Weekly Issues: Peace Corps Volunteer Writes Memoir About Experience in the Philippines

September 21, 2020 Featured Contributor Alvin J. Hower, a former Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines, has written a fascinating book entitled No Greater Service, A Peace Corps Photo Memoir (Philippines 1969-1974). The US-Philippines Society recognizes the contributions of Hower and thousands of other volunteers over the past six decades in strengthening …

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Cultural and EducationalWeekly Series

Weekly Issues: Reflections on Famed WWII Correspondent Spencer Davis in the Philippines

July 7, 2020 Featured Contributor Question 1: As Americans and Filipinos look back on World War II in the Pacific during this 75th anniversary commemoration, the work of war correspondents and photographers provides a uniquely valuable insight. Tell us about AP reporter Spencer Davis, your connection, and his role in reporting on …

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Strategic and PoliticalWeekly Series

Weekly Issues | A Guide to the Visiting Forces Agreement: Understanding the Past and Adapting to the Future

June 10, 2020 Featured Contributor Ambassador Thomas C. Hubbard U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines (1996-2000) Founding Director, US-Philippines Society   Question 1: With the Philippine government’s recent announcement on suspension of VFA termination and your close personal association with the VFA’s history, in what ways does the agreement continue to serve the …

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Cultural and EducationalWeekly Series

Weekly Issues | Reflections on June 12, 1898: Philippine Declaration of Independence amid a “Dangerous International Environment”

June 8, 2020 Featured Contributor Dr. Frank Jenista U.S. Foreign Service Officer Question 1: From the perspective of a historian, what are some lesser known aspects of the Philippines’ Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898? Filipinos know a great deal about that momentous day. General Aguinaldo had recently returned from …

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Disaster ReliefWeekly Series

Weekly Issues: An Update on U.S. Humanitarian Assistance in the BARMM

June 5, 2020 The United States government, civil society and private sector remain committed to provide assistance to vulnerable populations in the Bangsamoro region. The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announced today that the U.S. government is providing an additional $4 million to assist those displaced by conflict and recent …

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Disaster ReliefWeekly Series

Weekly Issues: US-Philippines Exchange Alumni and the COVID-19 Response

May 28, 2020 In addition to direct U.S. Government and American private sector assistance in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, people-to-people ties and more specifically an enduring partnership through alumni networks of exchange programs represents an extraordinary asset for both countries. Bonds have been continuously strengthened and refreshed …

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