The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced a Php250 million, three-year extension of USAID’s Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) project. The additional assistance, which brings the total USAID investment in the innovation sector to nearly Php2 billion since 2013, will expand collaboration between government, industry, and academia on initiatives that promote innovation and support inclusive growth.

The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), convened the 12th National Education Summit on September 6, 2018 in partnership with the Philippine government and Synergeia Foundation. More than 400 leaders from local governments, schools, and the private sector gathered to share good practices in education governance, including topics such as increasing community engagement, budgeting, partnering with the public and private sector and civil society, and decentralization of basic education. Vice President Leni Robredo delivered the keynote address at the summit.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Ann Marie Yastishock visited the Philippines July 26-August 1, reinforcing the U.S. government’s commitment to mutual U.S.-Philippine development goals. Yastishock also underscored the important role of the Philippines to the Indo-Pacific Strategy. Through this framework, the U.S. government works with partner countries to strengthen their democratic systems; ensure an open regulatory environment; and encourage responsible natural resource management.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II traveled to Davao from June 21 to 23 to meet with Philippine partners and recognize joint progress toward achieving the Philippines’ development objectives for Mindanao.