Public Affairs

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy is one of more than 200 similar offices around the world. The Public Affairs Section advises the Ambassador on issues of public diplomacy, including media relations, and is headed by the Counselor for Public Affairs.  The office conducts information and cultural programs on behalf of the U.S. government in the Philippines.  More information on public affairs at the State Department is available at our Washington home page and for more information about media relations please click here.

In Manila, the Public Affairs Section maintains the Thomas Jefferson Information Center to support information requests from our Filipino audience.  Using state of the art technology, including CD-ROM and on-line data bases, the Thomas Jefferson Center provides updated information about the United States to Philippine government officials, academics and journalists. The Center is located in the U.S. Embassy compound on Roxas Boulevard.  The following locations house American Corners in Mindanao.

1. Cagayan de Oro          Xavier University

2. Cotabato                    Notre Dame University

3. Davao                       Ateneo de Davao University

4. Jolo                          Notre Dame of Jolo College

5. Marawi                     Mindanao State University

6. Tawi Tawi                Mindanao State University

7. Zamboanga               Ateneo de Zamboanga University

The American Corners provide access to current and reliable information about the United States via book collections, CD-ROMS, DVDs, the Internet, and through local programming to the general public. The multi-media, book and periodical collections are open and accessible to all who are interested. American Corners also provide facilities to host program events and activities (e.g., poetry & short story readings, films, speaker programs, workshops, meetings, exhibits, paper shows, mock elections, cultural events, etc. to name a few.)

The Public Affairs Section also provides many educational and cultural services and works closely with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF).   We work closely with other sections of the U.S. Mission and with many Filipino organizations to encourage broader understanding of the United States and its relationship with the Philippines.  We sponsor seminars, exhibits, speakers, and other programs in which Filipinos and Americans can share ideas and information on economic issues, environmental concerns, American government and history, education, security issues, and a wide variety of other topics.  Some of the programs that may be of interests to scholars and students are the following.

Youth Education and Study Program (YES)

Youth Leadership Program (YLP)                      

Microscholarship English Access Program

English Language Resources              

Speakers program

Fulbright Program                                                                              

 

Useful links:

For information about studying in the U.S. technology and education, and student life, please click here.

To study in the U.S., please click here.

For information about exchange opportunities to visit the United States, please click here.

The Cultural Heritage Center supports the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. If you are interested, please click here.