UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
From Left to Right: Consul General Emil Fernandez and UH Foundation Chief Executive Officer Tim Dolan.
The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa offers the only U.S. Bachelor of Arts degree in Philippine Language and Culture. Established in 1975, the Center for Philippine Studies serves as a vital bridge between the Asia-Pacific region and the United States.
A significant Grant Agreement between the Philippine Government and the UH Foundation supports visiting scholars and student scholarships. This funding has revived the Philippine Kulintang class and expanded high-demand culture courses within the university.
Hawai'i's Department of Education recently approved the first high school Filipino social studies course in the U.S.. Since its Fall 2024 launch, the program has expanded to eight schools, focusing on identity and civic action.
UH Mānoa has revived the "Kulintang Indigenous Music of the Philippines" course under veteran musician Ron Querian. This initiative led to the formation of the university's first Kulintang ensemble, which now performs traditional gong music across Oʻahu.
The ensemble recently held cultural showcases at venues like the Waipahu Public Library and participated in dance performances with traditional culture bearers. These events highlight the university’s commitment to preserving Filipino heritage through artistic expression.
As of January 2025, these activities continue to be supported by the Philippine Studies Endowed Fund. This funding ensures that indigenous Filipino music remains a vital part of the university's academic and community outreach.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, founded in 1907, is a prestigious land, sea, space, and sun-grant institution located on the island of Oʻahu. As the flagship campus of the UH System, it is a global leader in Asia-Pacific studies, law, and earth sciences.
The university has a rich history of resilience, expanding from a small agricultural college into a diverse academic hub. Today, it serves as the system's administrative center, fostering innovation and cultural heritage through dedicated centers for Hawaiian Studies and international research.