PRESS RELEASE
WDC-64-2025
29 September 2025
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C. and Georgetown University formalized their academic cooperation through the signing of a Donation Agreement for Advancing Philippine Studies – Georgetown University on 29 September 2025. The agreement was signed by Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and Georgetown University Vice Dean for Undergraduate Affairs Mark Giordano, who was joined by Professor Erwin Tiongson, Director of Georgetown’s Global Human Development Program.
Under the agreement, the Embassy will provide a financial contribution of PHP 700,000 (approximately USD 12,000) to support research, events, and academic activities related to the Philippines within Georgetown’s Asian Studies Program and Global Human Development Program. The donation reflects the Embassy’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and promoting greater awareness of the Philippines.
“The Embassy is honored to be part of Georgetown University’s rich tradition as it pursues global engagement and academic excellence,” said Ambassador Romualdez. “This partnership reflects shared values: respect for diversity, service to others, and a deep commitment to fostering conversations that transcend boundaries. It is not solely about academics, but about cultivating mutual understanding and trust among different communities. We hope that the story of the Philippines continues to inspire collaboration, dialogue, and goodwill across borders.”
Professor Tiongson welcomed the partnership, saying “My colleagues and I are grateful for the generous contribution from the Philippine Embassy. We are excited about the new possibilities for documenting and creating more visibility for the experiences of the Philippines—its history, including the first Filipino students at Georgetown in the early 1900s, as they prepared to contribute to the work of building a nation; its economic and development policy; and its ongoing economic transformation. These are pivotal moments in international affairs and international development and should be preserved by a school such as ours.”
The signing of this agreement marks a new chapter in the collaboration between Georgetown University and the Philippine Embassy, underscoring both institutions’ shared commitment to education, cultural understanding, and international cooperation. The donation will fund a range of initiatives, including research projects, conferences, lectures, and other academic activities that highlight the Philippines’ role in Asia and in the global community.
The Embassy especially expresses its gratitude to Philippine Senator Loren Legarda for her steadfast support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and its Foreign Service Posts. This initiative was inspired by Senator Legarda’s sustained efforts to promote Philippine heritage and culture on the international stage. It also expresses its gratitude to Professor Tiongson, whose work has been instrumental in ensuring that the story of the Philippines has a place in Georgetown’s global community of learning.
Following the signing ceremony, the Embassy also turned over a collection of books on the Philippines to Georgetown University. The Embassy appreciates its partners that provided some of the donated book materials, such as the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the De La Salle University Publishing House, the University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. These materials will serve as additional resources for students and researchers, complementing the supported programs and helping advance a deeper appreciation of Philippine history, culture, and society. The books donated were:
- Chinese Merchants of Binondo in the Nineteenth Century by Richard T. Chu
- The Camino Real to Freedom and Other Notes on Philippine History and Culture by Jose Victor Z. Torres
- The Golden Dagger by Antonio G. Sempio
- Bandit Zone: A History of the Free Areas of Negros Island During the Japanese Occupation (1942-1945) by Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope
- The Frontiers of Foreign Policy: Essays on Philippine Soft Power by Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of Public Diplomacy
- Calidad Humana: Sharing the Filipino Spirit Book 1 by Energy Development Corporation
- Under Manila Sky: A Memoir on the Art of Survival by Irene W.D. Hecht
- We Cook Filipino: Heart-Healthy Recipes and Inspiring Stories from 36 Filipino Food Personalities and Award-Winning Chefs compiled and edited by Jacqueline Chio-Lauri
- The South China Sea Arbitration: Understanding the Awards and Debating with China by Alfredo C. Robles, Jr.
- VALOR: Working Virtue of Fidelity to Country – Cabailo, Karganilla and ‘the Hunters Hellcats’ published by AV Manila Creative Production Co.
- The American Colonial Public School Buildings in the Philippines (The Archival Materials) by Mary Kristine Segovia, Ana Luzzette Lareza, Joel Rico and Robert Benedict Hermoso
- United States and Philippines: An Enduring Friendship by US-Philippines Society
- Victory and Humanity: The 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines by National Historical Commission of the Philippines/ National Quincentennial Committee 2022
- Reading the Regions 2: Philippine Folk and Oral Traditions by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
- WOMEN in DIPLOMACY The Remarkable Ambassadors in the Philippine Foreign Service Volume I edited by Delia Domingo-Albert
- Remembering World War II in the Philippines Vol 1 and Vol 2 by National Historical Commission of the Philippines
- A Handbook on Philippine Public Diplomacy by Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of Public Diplomacy
- Bucket List Philippines by Tourism Promotion Board Philippines and Department of Tourism
- Cadet, Soldier Guerilla Fighter | Remembering Bataan and Corregidor by Antonio A. Nieva
- Peace Through Interfaith Dialogue: Philippine Diplomacy and the Promotion of Mutual Understanding, Respect and Tolerance by Department of Foreign Affairs
- Guidebook to Protected Areas of the Philippines by Biodiversity Management Bureau-DENR
- Dayaw: Our Knowledge, Our Pride SEASON 2 and 3 (DVD) Hosted by Senator Loren Legarda
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WDC-265-2025
29 September 2025
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29 September 2025
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