PHOTO RELEASE NO. 74-2023

26 June 2023, Honolulu – Consul General Emil Fernandez and Ms. Suzanne Vares-Lum, President of the East-West Center, met at the Philippine Consulate last June 23 to discuss areas for further collaboration.  In 2022, the Center published Philippines Matters for America, America Matters for the Philippines, part of the Asia Matters for America initiative which maps the trade, investment, employment, business, diplomacy, security, education, tourism and people-to-people connections between the U.S. and the Philippines at the national, state and local levels.

The Center was established by US Congress in 1960 “to promote better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia and the Pacific through cooperative study, research and dialogue.”  In fulfillment of its mandate, 1,820 people were provided grants in fiscal year 2022 to participate in the Center’s educational, research and professional training programs.  Awardees from the Philippines in 2022 comprised the third largest foreign recipients. 

Ms. Vares-Lum assumed the presidency of the Center in January 2022, becoming the first woman and Native Hawaiian chosen for the role.  A retired Major General with 34 years of service, she is also a community leader, consultant on regional issues, advisor to business chambers, and active member of foreign councils. (END)