The United States and the Philippines share a longstanding relationship underpinned by our shared history, shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties and commitment to peace. Since 1961, the United States Government, through the USAID, has supported the Philippine government to become a more stable, prosperous and well-governed nation.

Through the years, USAID has worked closely with its Philippine partners — from grassroots communities, civil society, academia, businesses, local governments and national level agencies — to help the country achieve its development objectives. Our projects span several key areas: democracy and governance, economic growth, education, health, environment, humanitarian assistance, and peace and stability in Mindanao.

Our collaboration has been fruitful and filled with learning and growth. In this book, you will read 15 stories of how USAID has helped transform the lives of generations of Filipinos. Although this is not an exhaustive account of what we have achieved, it offers the reader a glimpse of the breadth of our collaboration to achieve our mutual development goals.

The stories included in this book showcase extraordinary men and women who inspired us with their dreams, creativity and perseverance to improve the quality of life, not only for themselves, but for their communities.

With this in mind, USAID is moving forward with renewed strength and hope that the best is yet to be for the Philippines. We remain the country’s partner in development, and we look forward to continuing to support the Filipino people in the years to come.