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.

Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual highlighted the importance of this agreement in a statement. “The US-Philippines civil nuclear cooperation agreement is a significant step toward diversifying and strengthening our energy portfolio. This partnership underscores our commitment to clean and sustainable energy, vital for achieving our climate and economic goals,” he said.

As nuclear energy is seen to enhance the country’s energy security and supporting economic growth, Secretary Pascual emphasized the potential of this agreement to attract investments in clean energy, positioning the Philippines as a prime destination for such investments.

“The DTI is dedicated to promoting sustainable industrialization and inclusive growth, and we are optimistic about the positive impacts this collaboration will bring to our nation’s energy resilience and sustainability,” he added.

The US State Department, in a media note, echoed the significance of the agreement, saying that it will enhance cooperation between the two countries on clean energy and energy security, further strengthening their long-term diplomatic and economic relationships.

“Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts, and together our two countries can make a significant contribution to our shared clean energy goals,” the media note read.

The US State Department also highlighted the role of nuclear energy in achieving global climate change and energy security targets. “We look forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation with the Philippines in civil nuclear energy and other clean energy initiatives,” the note continued.

The 123 Agreement builds on nearly 80 years of peaceful nuclear cooperation between the US and the Philippines and establishes a framework for continued US civil nuclear trade with the country. It is part of broader US efforts to develop the Philippines’ civil nuclear sector, which includes creating a safe, secure, and modern industry supported by a skilled workforce, robust regulations, and strong commercial partnerships.

Civil nuclear cooperation agreements, or 123 Agreements, provide a legal framework for the export of nuclear material, equipment, and components from the United States to other countries. This particular agreement allows for the transfer of nuclear material, equipment (including reactors), components, and information for nuclear research and civil nuclear energy production, all based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation.