In an inaugural collaboration, Saint Louis University (SLU) and American Corner Baguio (AC Baguio) hosted the American Spaces Philippines Conference 2024 from 2 to 4 October at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall on SLU’s Main Campus. The conference brought together university executives and staff members from fifteen American Corner-hosting institutions for a strategic planning session, networking, and capacity-building activities. This was the first time the conference was hosted outside Metro Manila, and also the first time the U.S. Embassy co-hosted the conference with a partner.
American Corners are venues for learning and programming established in partnership between the U.S. government and hosting educational institutions. They aim to promote understanding and knowledge sharing between the Philippines and the United States. The Philippine network is guided and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
The purpose of the conference is to annually gather the executives and program staff of the 15 American Corner-hosting educational institutions across the Philippines from Batac to Tawi-Tawi. Together, they learn about new American Spaces program standards and best practices, expand their knowledge about themes relevant to programming such as women’s rights and environmental protection, and identify and prepare their program plan for the succeeding fiscal year for presentation and review.
Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, welcomed the delegates by saying: “Today we begin a journey focused on strategic planning, networking and building stronger programs to the team, reimagining American Spaces using audience analysis for program development. This event is an opportunity for us to better understand the needs of our communities and develop programs that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By doing so, we ensure that our efforts are inclusive, impactful and relevant to those we serve.”
Thirty seven university executives and AC staff convened in Baguio City for the event. The speakers included representatives from the U.S. State Department, including Ms. Della Hareland, Director for Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, as well as faculty members and administrators from SLU.
