The Philippine-American Educational Foundation marked its 78th anniversary on March 24, highlighting its role in advancing educational exchange between the Philippines and the United States.
The reception, held at One Ayala, gathered more than 300 partners, alumni, scholars, and representatives from the business community and the Philippine and U.S. governments – Louise Araneta-Marcos, Y. Robert Ewing, Arsenio Balisacan, Shirley Agrupis, Christine Joy Cari, and Cezar Consing – to celebrate the Fulbright Program’s impact and recognize its contributors.
2026 marks several milestones tied to U.S.-Philippine relations, including the 78th anniversary of PAEF, the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the 80th year of the global Fulbright Program, and the 250th founding anniversary of the United States. These milestones underscore PAEF’s shift toward building strategic partnerships.
“For 78 years, PAEF has supported generations of scholars and innovators – a network of more than 4,000 U.S. and Filipino alumni – who have returned home to shape their societies. These individuals prove that enduring alliances are sustained by people-to-people connections,” Ewing said. “The Fulbright mission – rooted in innovation, academic freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge for the benefit of all – reflects the enduring American ideals that we celebrate and uphold, especially this year as we mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence,” he added.
Consing called for stronger private sector involvement in Fulbright programs. “Fulbright represents excellence, intellectual rigor, global exposure and impactful leadership — these are precisely the attributes that companies look for when we hire technical specialists, middle managers or senior leaders,” he said. He added that “businesses that want to contribute to nation building would find alignment with Fulbright and what the scholarship stands for.”
Balisacan, speaking for the Philippine government, said academic exchange is a long-term investment. “Academic exchange is far more than a privilege or a fleeting opportunity – it is a strategic investment in human capital, institutional strength, and the country’s long-term development,” he said, noting the government has doubled its annual contribution to PAEF.
The presence of First Lady Araneta-Marcos reflected government support for the program and broader education partnerships between the Philippines and the United States.
Founded in 1948, PAEF administers the Fulbright Program in the Philippines with support from both governments. It has supported thousands of scholars in graduate studies, research, teaching, and professional development.
The foundation works with agencies including the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, and the Commission on Higher Education, along with partners such as the Department of Agriculture, the Philippine Space Agency, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
As the world’s longest-continuing Fulbright Commission, PAEF continues to support academic exchange and cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.
