U.S. Embassy and Palawan State University launch American Corner Puerto Princesa, 15th American Corner in PHL

On June 4, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and Palawan State University (PSU) launched American Corner (AC) Puerto Princesa with the virtual signing of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding between U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Philip Roskamp and PSU President Dr. Ramon Docto.

This partnership provides Palawan with a wide range of U.S. Embassy resources, programs, and opportunities through the American Corner, which will be housed within PSU’s library. AC Puerto Princesa will offer access to free information resources and dynamic programming on topics including U.S. culture and society, education, women’s empowerment, civic engagement, innovation, science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), entrepreneurship, and more to the people of Palawan.

In his remarks, Dr. Docto said, “Rest assured that not only will the students of Palawan State University benefit from this, but we will share this to all the Palaweños and Palaweñas.  Welcome American Corner to Palawan State University.  Welcome to your new home here in Palawan.  Amos tara sa AC Puerto Princesa!”

As part of the yearlong celebration of the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relations, the opening of AC Puerto Princesa is another milestone in the longstanding U.S.-Philippine friendship.

“We hope that the Corner is a welcoming, collaborative, and safe environment for people from all walks of life, from all backgrounds. It will be a modern, technology-driven resource space where you can share ideas, develop skills, and grow capabilities,” said Counselor Roskamp.

AC Puerto Princesa joins the largest network of American Corners in Southeast Asia, and a network of more than 650 American Spaces worldwide.  Today, the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section maintains 16 American Spaces, including the American Center Manila housed on U.S. Embassy grounds, and 15 ACs across the Philippines, hosted at partner universities.  American Spaces in the Philippines date back to 1945, with the opening of the first U.S. Library in Manila.