Our Activities

The Philippines Update offered a thought-provoking exploration of the Philippines in the Marcos administration, with a focus on critical domestic and foreign policy shifts. Against the backdrop of strengthened ties between Australia and the Philippines, experts analyzed the implications of renewed Western alliances, territorial assertiveness, and evolving economic priorities, particularly in infrastructure and green energy.

Last week, the ANU Philippines Institute screened the film 'Hulagway', a two-part documentary drama which featured the endangered Indigenous Philippine languages of the Dupaninan Agta in Isabela and the Tandulanen Tagbanua in Palawan.

Last week the ANU Library received a donation of 71 books from the Philippine Embassy at a turnover ceremony. The generous donation enriches ANU's existing collections on the Philippines, serving as invaluable resources for research and education. Deputy Director of the Philippines Institute, Dr Tanyag talked about how their work is helping to future-proof ANU for decades to come in terms of research, partnerships and foreign policy focussed on Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines.

On Wednesday, 03 April 2024 an expert panel shared their views on the increasing need for cyber capacity-building initiatives to achieve lasting impact and sustainability in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Among the key insights from the launch is the emphasis on bottom-up and ‘homegrown’ approaches to developing tools and frameworks for cyber cooperation; and the importance of strengthening pre-existing communities of practice in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Enrique A. Manalo, was welcomed by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s newly established Philippines Institute for a round-table discussion on Friday, March 1. While joining esteemed academics, College staff, diplomates, and representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Secretary Manalo said the work of the Institute will contribute to greater understanding and cooperation between the governments and people of Australia and the Philippines.

Last Tuesday, Christian Esguerra presented in a seminar on the situation of the Philippine press under Marcos Jr. after enduring six years under Duterte, who shut down the country’s largest network on free TV and radio, and consistently threatened and harassed critics, including journalists over their critical reporting. In his talk, he discussed journalists’ struggle against infrastructures of disinformation, hyperpartisan media organisations, and a culture of intolerance for free speech and critical thought in public discourse.

Last Friday, ANU academics, students, public sector representatives, and distinguished members of the diplomatic community united to celebrate the launch of the ANU Philippines Institute: a new hub for research and policy dialogue focused on the Philippines’ economy, politics and society.

With collaboration and support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the ANU Philippines Institute stands as a testament to the strengthened bilateral ties between Australia and the Philippines. The Institute is led by CAP academics, Associate Professor Björn Dressel and Dr Maria Tanyag.