Fulbright Philippines celebrates decades of education, collaboration

The Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), also known as Fulbright Philippines, marked its 78th anniversary on March 24, highlighting nearly eight decades of academic exchange and enduring ties between the Philippines and the United States.

The reception, held at SPACE at One Ayala, gathered more than 300 partners, alumni, scholars, and representatives from the business sector, along with officials from both the Philippine and U.S. governments.

Among those present were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Y. Robert Ewing, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, and Ayala Corporation President and CEO Cezar Consing.

The event also underscored major milestones in 2026, including the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic relations, the 80th anniversary of the global Fulbright Program, and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

In his remarks, Ewing highlighted the program’s long-term impact, noting that more than 4,000 Filipino and American alumni have contributed to strengthening bilateral ties through education and innovation.

“For 78 years, PAEF has supported generations of scholars and innovators… These individuals prove that enduring alliances are sustained by people-to-people connections,” Ewing said.

Consing emphasized the role of the private sector in supporting Fulbright initiatives, describing the program as a pipeline for globally competitive talent and leadership.

Balisacan, meanwhile, reaffirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to academic exchange, calling it a strategic investment in human capital and long-term national development.

Established in 1948, PAEF administers the Fulbright Program in the Philippines in partnership with both governments, supporting thousands of scholars in education, research, and professional development.

As one of the longest-running Fulbright commissions globally, PAEF continues to play a key role in strengthening educational cooperation and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the United States.