The Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), also known as the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines, has signed new partnerships with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) to expand educational opportunities, foster cultural exchange, and promote American excellence in higher education across Mindanao.
Under the new agreements, PAEF and MinDA will develop customized Fulbright scholarships for individuals from conflict-affected communities in Mindanao. Selected scholars will pursue advanced studies and professional development in the United States, focusing on sectors critical to the region such as energy and agriculture.
In a separate agreement, PAEF and ADDU formalized an MoU designating the university as the host institution for the new Consortium for Study Abroad in the Philippines (CSAP). This program will bring American students and faculty to the Philippines for cultural immersion and six-week academic courses in agriculture, rural development, engineering, and business.
“The Fulbright Program is not just a scholarship program in the Philippines—it is a cornerstone of post-war Philippine intellectual and leadership development, a symbol of the enduring U.S.–Philippine partnership, and still the single most important academic exchange mechanism between the two countries after more than 75 years,” said PAEF Chairperson and U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Jessica Simon.
“This signing is more than a ceremonial act—it is a bold step toward empowering the people of Mindanao. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, MinDA and the Fulbright Commission reaffirm a shared conviction: that education is the most powerful engine of peace, progress, and prosperity,” added MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno.
ADDU Vice President for Higher Education Fr. Antonio Basilio, S.J., also emphasized the university’s commitment, saying, “The CSAP aligns with the University’s mission to advance research, innovation, and the formation of graduates committed to service and leadership. ADDU is proud to support inclusive peace and development in Mindanao through academic excellence and community outreach.”
Established on March 23, 1948, PAEF is a non-profit, binational organization sponsored by the U.S. and Philippine governments. It is the oldest continuously active Fulbright commission in the world and the oldest international scholarship program in the Philippines, having awarded grants to more than 3,000 Filipinos and nearly 1,000 Americans to pursue graduate degree studies, teaching, and research in both countries.