What is the Philippine Studies Program (PSP)?

The establishment of Philippine Studies Programs across various academic institutions worldwide is a collaborative initiative led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda (OSLL). This effort aims to promote a deeper understanding of the Philippines - its history, culture, language, and society through academic scholarship, research, and cultural exchange, to the foreign public. The program also aims to strengthen the presence of the Philippines in the global community, especially in universities and institutions abroad, fostering dialogue and collaboration between Filipino and international scholars. 

The first Philippine Studies Program was launched in 2017 at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Then Ambassador of the Philippines to the United Kingdom, Enrique A. Manalo, and Senator Loren Legarda were present during the signing of the agreement between the Philippine Embassy in London and the SOAS Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of Philippine culture overseas. 

Since the launch of the first Philippine Studies Program in 2017, similar agreements have been forged with universities and academic institutions worldwide. Of these, 21 universities (2017–2024) were primarily funded and supported by OSLL. 

Beginning in 2025, OCD provided funding for 13 universities, which include three (3) continuing programs initiated under OSLL funding (Busan University of Foreign Studies, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, and University of California, Berkeley). Effectively, OCD funding facilitated the establishment of 10 new Philippine Studies Programs, further expanding the program’s international reach and ensuring the continuity and sustainability of previously established initiatives. Overall, 34 PSP abroad are currently active and implemented, making the program truly global in scope.  

A digital catalogue for PSPs was made available om 2024 to ensure wider access for FSPs, partner universities, cultural agencies, and researchers. It serves as a ready reference for institutions exploring collaborations, students seeking opportunities for study or research, and policymakers working to expand the Philippines’ academic footprint overseas.