In partnership with Saint Louis University (SLU), American Corner Baguio (AC Baguio) will host the three-day American Spaces Philippines Conference 2024 from 01 to 04 October 2024, marking SLU’s first time hosting such a significant event. The conference will gather over 45 delegates and diplomats from various American Corners within the Philippines and will take place at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Main Campus, SLU.
The said conference will feature a diverse range of sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants. The conference will kick off with discussions on the Embassy Mission, Goals, and Objectives, along with an overview of the American Spaces Philippines 2023 report and recent policy updates. A key focus will be on empowering women in business through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, alongside sessions highlighting embassy resources for international partnerships and public affairs.
Participants will also explore strategies for strengthening global partnerships toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vital role of libraries in peace education and conflict resolution. Additional topics include enhancing the sustainability of libraries, developing disaster preparedness plans, effective management of American Corner grants, and designing impactful programs for American Spaces. The conference aims to foster a collaborative environment that empowers attendees to implement innovative solutions and strengthen their community ties.
Under American Spaces, this monumental gathering will welcome various American Corners that have established partnerships between foreign and local institutions such as universities, embassy compounds, libraries, and community centers. Among the 15 university-based ACs in the Philippines which will be represented in the said conference are:
- AC Bacolod: University of St. La Salle (USLS)
- AC Baguio: Saint Louis University (SLU)
- AC Batac: Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU)
- AC Cagayan de Oro: Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (XU)
- AC Cebu: University of San Carlos (USC)
- AC Cotabato: Notre Dame University-Cotabato (NDU)
- AC Davao: Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU)
- AC Dumaguete: Silliman University (SU)
- AC Iloilo: Central Philippine University (CPU)
- AC Jolo: Notre Dame of Jolo College (NDJC)
- AC Manila: De La Salle University (DLSU)
- AC Marawi: Mindanao State University – Marawi (MSU Marawi)
- AC Puerto Princesa: Palawan State University (PSU)
- AC Tawi-Tawi: Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO)
- AC Zamboanga: Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU)
American Spaces are essential in promoting mutual understanding between the United States and other countries by acting as public cultural and information centers. With nearly 650 key locations in over 140 nations, they provide open access to information about American society, culture, and values, facilitating dialogue among diverse audiences. By connecting individuals from various backgrounds, American Spaces enhance cross-cultural understanding and empower local communities through resources that promote civic engagement and critical thinking.
Weaving Ties through Timeless Threads
The partnership between the Philippines and the United States is symbolized by the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera weaving traditions, a centuries-old practice deeply rooted in the mountainous region of the Philippines.
Particularly for the American Spaces Philippine Conference, the preferred token and symbolic fabric will be the vibrant designs of the authentic table sashes or table runners, meticulously handwoven by seasoned Baguio craft weavers from Easter Weaving Room Inc. (EWRI), a flourishing manufacturer, retailer, and exporter of indigenous handwoven products since 1908.
The featured token comes in four different designs, two of each having coupling patterns and alternating color combinations of one main and four accent colors; three of the colors represent SLU’s brand of excellence. Accent tones are yellow, white, red, and black – with the primary color featuring shades of blue. These decorative table accents will be Saint Louis University’s welcome gift for the guests as a token of gratitude that recognizes the friendship between both institutions.
The art and craft of weaving is deeply connected to the cultural heritage of its indigenous peoples, and resonates with the spirit of cross-cultural exchange that Saint Louis University and American Corner promote through their Philippines-US friendship ties. Like how the Cordilleran weaving is passed down from generation to generation to hold onto values and history in their local communities, the collaboration between SLU and American Corner helps continue an enduring partnership that celebrates and holds shared cultural legacies.
Representing the rich Cordilleran culture, the significance of the Cordillera Weaves in this year’s conference will not only highlight the vibrant cultural legacy behind the fabric but will also be recognized as a symbol of Philippine-American solidarity within American Spaces– an open-access resource hub that amplifies cross-cultural understanding and empower local communities, which is reflective of the U.S. commitment to public diplomacy and the belief in free access to information as a cornerstone of democracy.
