05/05/2026
๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฅ๐-๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ข๐๐ฌ
๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐จ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ
As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic ties and the Freedom 250 commemoration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office, launched a specialized professional development program to help college instructors teach technical subjects more effectively in English. This initiative highlights American excellence in teaching innovation, bringing world-class instructional standards to Philippine classrooms.
The two-day workshop, held in Baguio City on April 28 and 29 and facilitated by Saint Louis University, trained 50 college instructors specializing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and social sciences. Led by American English Language Fellows, the workshop used experiential learning methodsโincluding mini laboratories and solving complex math problems in Englishโto help participants experience firsthand the challenges students face when learning technical subjects in English.
โBy empowering Filipino faculty with tools to strengthen their English instruction, we are also helping them shape the next generation of subject matter experts who can effectively communicate complex ideas in English. This collaboration bridges a future where the United States and the Philippines can work more easily toward shared goals, making both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous,โ said U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna.
โThis training has benefited the whole region through these professors and instructors to learn more ways of using English as a power and a tool in facilitating content courses. From here, we will always share and pay it forward,โ said Dr. Stephanie Busbus, Director of Global Relations at Saint Louis University.
Participants also relied on the American English Toolkitโa collection of resources provided by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with American educators and professionals. The Toolkit includes interactive games, songs, recorded virtual workshops, and other teaching tools that highlight American values, culture, history, and the arts, offering instructors valuable materials to incorporate into their classrooms.
The Regional English Language Office (RELO) in Manila advances U.S. interests in the Philippines and the region by promoting English language teaching and learning programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the Philippines. Through teacher training, curriculum development, and educational resources, RELO empowers educators and institutions to enhance English language instruction, creating opportunities for Filipinos to engage with American culture, values, and innovation.