During her second visit to Palawan, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, reaffirmed the U.S. government's commitment to advancing education in the country. The commitment includes various educational and upskilling programs, along with the establishment of American Corners in universities, fostering intellectual growth and civic values.
Palawan State University (PSU), a key educational institution in the province, has a three-year partnership with the U.S. Embassy for the American Corner program. This initiative extends educational resources to rural areas through online research tools. However, Ambassador Carlson highlighted the dependency on reliable internet connectivity and announced ongoing efforts, including the Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) Program, a $33-million project by USAID aimed at improving internet access and connectivity nationwide.
Ambassador Carlson acknowledged the significance of connecting with communities beyond the university's immediate vicinity, emphasizing collaboration and community engagement. PSU's President, Dr. Ramon Docto, emphasized the importance of the university's outreach efforts.
Referencing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s perspective that "national security cannot be separated from economic growth," Ambassador Carlson highlighted USAID's collaborative initiatives with the private sector on upskilling programs to enhance the nation's human capital, contributing to economic expansion. She emphasized the need to look beyond current educational systems and focus on developing skills for the future, including retraining for those shifting career focuses.
The American Corner at PSU, launched in June 2021, aims to provide a diverse range of resources and programs, covering subjects such as U.S. culture, education, women’s empowerment, STEM fields, entrepreneurship, and more. Located within the main campus library, it offers free access to a wealth of information resources and dynamic programming. The U.S. government remains dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to intellectual growth and democratic discourse in the Philippines.
