By Mikee Natinga Norico

From left to right: Prof. Ma. Cynthia Peleña, Director of American Corner Iloilo; Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; and Ms. Chilou Batoon, American Corner Iloilo Coordinator, during the American Spaces Philippines Conference 2025 at Bai Hotel Cebu, Mandaue City.

On August 19 to 21, the American Spaces Philippines Conference 2025 was held at Bai Hotel Cebu, Mandaue City, bringing together leading minds and representatives from across the American Spaces network in the country. Anchored on the theme, “Building on the Past, Learning from the Present, and Shaping the Future of American Spaces,” the three-day conference served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strengthening partnerships to enhance the future programming of American Spaces nationwide.

Representing Central Philippine University (CPU) were University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, Prof. Ma. Cynthia Peleña, Director of American Corner Iloilo, and Ms. Chilou Batoon, American Corner Iloilo Coordinator. Their presence highlighted CPU’s commitment to advancing the goals of the American Corner, which has been an active partner in fostering education, cultural exchange, and community engagement.

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (3rd from R) poses for a group photo together with university executives of American Corners in the Philippines during the American Spaces Philippines Conference 2025 at Bai Hotel Cebu, Mandaue City. Photo courtesy of American Spaces Philippines Facebook Page.

One of the highlights of the event was a benchmarking visit to AC Cebu at San Carlos University, Talamban Campus, where participants explored the site’s dynamic approaches to programming and community involvement.

American Spaces are publicly accessible centers established worldwide to promote engagement between local communities and the United States. With over 600 American Spaces located in universities, libraries, shopping centers, government buildings, and embassy grounds across more than 140 countries, these hubs play a vital role in bridging cultures and fostering global connections.

A group photo of university executives and American Corner partner staff from across the country during the benchmarking visit to AC Cebu at San Carlos University, Talamban Campus, where they explored the site’s dynamic approaches to programming and community involvement. Photo courtesy of American Spaces Philippines Facebook Page.

CPU’s participation in the American Spaces Philippines Conference 2025 underscores its commitment to international collaboration and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

For more information about the updates, events, and achievements of American Corner Iloilo, kindly visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/aciloilocpu. To learn more about American Spaces Philippines, visit https://www.facebook.com/amspacesph.