U.S. Embassy Philippines Public Affairs Section (PAS) Annual Program Statement (APS)

Overview

PAS Philippines invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties between the Philippines and the United States through programming that promotes U.S. interests and bilateral cooperation.  All programs must include an American element or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), and/or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives. 

PRIORITY PROGRAM AREAS 
Priority will be given to project proposals that further one or more of the U.S. Embassy’s goals, including:  

• Proposals that commemorate the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relations and/or the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty in 2026; 
• Programs that enhance U.S.-Philippines security cooperation, including deterring illegal maritime activities, promoting adherence to international law, and encouraging peaceful resolution of disputes; 
• Programs that promote mutual prosperity and foster closer economic ties between the United States and the Philippines; 
• Programs that support a free and open Indo-Pacific region by developing stronger linkages between the United States, the Philippines and other countries in the region; 
• Programs that celebrate the excellence of figures past and present who made the U.S.-Philippines relationship stronger. 

Other examples of APS programs include, but are not limited to: 

• Programs that counter malign foreign influence. 
• Sports, music, and arts programs that highlight the robust history of U.S.-Philippines relationship and/or bilateral goals. 
• Programs that engage emerging leaders, youth-led non-profit organizations, and student leaders, on priority program areas or advancing leadership and innovation skills. 
• Programs that develop the skills of the U.S. government alumni network and associations on organizational management and formalization to U.S. standards  
• U.S. experts conducting speaking tours, public talks, roundtable discussions, workshops, etc. 
• Academic and professional lectures and seminars 
• STEM and innovation developmental programs that support strategic priorities 
• Capacity-building workshops/webinars or information campaigns that engage established opinion leaders (such as policymakers, industry leaders, decision-makers, academe, think tanks, NGOs, CSOs, and media) to address any of these priority program areas. 
• Programs that equip Philippine higher education institutions with tools for internationalization efforts in collaboration with U.S. higher education institutions, or programs that foster academic linkages and partnerships. 
• Programs that protect activities that are under threat due to violations of the Philippines’ sovereign rights and are critical to lives and livelihoods. 

Participants and Audiences: PAS Philippines’ target audiences include national and regional media; NGOs and think tanks; government officials (state, district, and municipal officials; policy makers, civil servants); cultural and educational leaders; next generation leaders (e.g., innovators, digital influencers, campus leaders, elected youth officials); and universities. 

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs are usually completed in one year or less but may be extended in special circumstances. 

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and will be reviewed in July.