U.S. Embassy Talks

Our flagship virtual speaker program aims at promoting and building understanding on topics that are important to both the U.S. and the Philippines. This series introduces a wide range of conversations to diverse and broad audiences including decision makers, government officials, NGOs, students and youth in the Philippines. It also features speakers from the U.S. embassy and experts from the United States.

The U.S. continues to support inclusive economic ecosystems that develop solutions and address real-world problems. This November, we are highlight​ing remarkable innovations by young ​Filipino entrepreneurs and how their businesses make an impact on their communities.
American Spaces Philippines, in collaboration with Palawan State University through its American Corner, will host a U.S. Embassy Talks episode ​titled “Entrepreneurial Innovations for Social Good​,” on November 29, 2021​ (Monday), 2:00pm – 3:00pm.
To celebrate #InternationalDayofEducation, the U.S. Embassy’s American Spaces Philippines and EducationUSA Philippines hosted a virtual program with students, educators, and EducationUSA advisers sharing innovations and strategies for learning and teaching as we move forward stronger into 2021.

Participants also received tips on how to prepare for study in the United States.
COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of life in 2020 and most fundamentally changed the day-to-day routines of people across the world, impacting especially people’s ability to access quality healthcare and education. How should communities incorporate health and education concerns as they plan for their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic? A range of experts and observers share their perspectives and ideas on how to defend progress made in access to healthcare and education as well as rebuild avenues to opportunity that the pandemic has stalled. Panelists will address the central question of the UN theme for Human Rights in 2020 – how to build back better by ensuring human rights are central to coronavirus recovery efforts?
This #GlobalEntrepreneurshipWeek, we celebrate how the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) has empowered women worldwide to fulfill their economic potential. Join our discussion on Women Entrepreneurship During a Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities.
Celebrate Filipino-American Heritage Month with us! We were joined by a dynamic panel of Filipino-American Speakers who talked about their experience in tech, public service, and community. Inspired by the documentary, “Invisible Immigrants: Filipino-Americans, A Force in Mainstream America”, the discussion delved on the stories and accounts of Filipino-Americans’ achievements, progress, and contributions in media and literature, government, and tech innovation.

Join our discussion on “Staying Safe from Natural Hazards in the New Normal.” Alumni of International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, who are disaster risk reduction and public health experts, shared their expertise in this webinar in honor of the 2020 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Join us in a virtual discussion with Filipina advocates and change makers as they share their inspiring stories and discuss their initiatives advancing the role of women and gender equality in peacebuilding.

On the last episode of our Philippine-American Friendship Month webinar series, we talked about the unique and significant history of Silliman University and its rich American history in education.

Do you have questions about applying to colleges and universities in the United States? In this episode, U.S. university students and alumni will share their college admission journey and the benefits of having a U.S. degree in today’s knowledge-based economy.

On this episode, we looked back at the shared history and friendship of Americans and Filipinos during World War II. Join Professor Leslie Kay Rivera-Corpuz and Dr. Jan Rich A. Guira of Mariano Marcos State University as they delve into the amazing stories of courage and cooperation of Filipinos and Americans during World War II and the Guerilla Operations in Batac.

Join us as we look into the structures that were built in Cebu during the American period, and how they have significantly influenced the infrastructures of modern day Cebu city.

According to United Nations Development Programme – UNDP, gender-based violence (GBV) increases during every type of emergency. Pre-existing gender inequalities and economic stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with restricted movement and social isolation measures, have led to an exponential increase in GBV. This discussion highlighted the implications of COVID-19 on gender issues, and measures to engage more women and girls in community health decision-making and leadership.

In celebration of World Oceans Month, marine environmental advocates explore ways to protect our oceans through the use of innovative and creative avenues such as art, technology, and literature. The discussion featured NASA Space Apps Challenge 2018 global winner Team iNoN, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative alumna Tricia Firman, and International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnus AG Saño.

While we stay home during the #COVID19 pandemic, some of us are spending more of our time online. What are the risks involved in using online platforms and how can we protect ourselves from these risks? International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumni and cybersecurity experts discussed the nature of current cyber threats and the available resources we can access to protect ourselves online.

In this episode of U.S. Embassy Talks, we discussed the importance of youth participation during the COVID19 crisis. YSEALI Philippines alumni shared their stories on leading initiatives aimed at helping affected communities across the country. They also shared tips on how fellow youth can help and take advantage of their time at home. Ambassador Sung Kim also joined the discussion.

In the wake of global economic disruption caused by the Covid-19 outbreak, entrepreneurs are innovating to respond to the challenges brought by the pandemic. The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines‘ American Spaces Philippines and YSEALI Philippines, in collaboration with the PhilDev Foundation hosted a virtual roundtable discussion with entrepreneurship experts who shared their knowledge and experience on how startups and businesses can thrive and survive during this extraordinary time by drawing on various resources; from governments, universities, foundations, nonprofit organizations, and communities.