America First, Philippines Lost? Ateneo Policy Center hosts roundtable discussion on US impact on the Philippines

The Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) through the Ateneo Policy Center (APC) convened a closed roundtable discussion titled “America First, Philippines Lost? Navigating US Impact on Philippine Security, Health, and Governance” last 10 April 2025. The event brought together scholars, thought leaders, and practitioners to critically assess the implications of US policy shifts and explore strategies on how the Philippines can navigate this changing landscape.

The roundtable opened with welcoming remarks from Ivyrose Baysic, Head of the Ateneo Policy Center, who introduced the aims of the session: forecasting the long-term impacts of recent developments, surfacing strategies for organizational sustainability, and strengthening shared values and generating actionable recommendations for collective action. She emphasized the guide question: How can we, as a nation and as institutions, adapt with innovation, cohesion, and resolve?

Dr Leslie Advincula-Lopez, Director of Development Studies at Ateneo de Manila University, delivered an insightful talk on institutional resilience, emphasizing the need to strengthen defense, security, and economic institutions. A response from Amb. Laura Quiambao-del Rosario, President of Miriam College, raised the importance of capacitating local governments to be responsive to the demands of future crises.

Manolito Novales, Core Faculty of ASOG, discussed how to secure the future of public health, emphasizing that the Philippines has an opportunity to build a self-sustaining system independent of foreign funding. He was joined by Arianna Amit, Non-Resident Research Fellow at APC, who echoed this sentiment and stressed the urgency of strengthening local investments and financing in health.

On the subject of national security, Julio Amador III, Senior Research Fellow at APC and Founder of Amador Research Services, reassessed Philippine defense strategy in the context of shifting geopolitics, highlighting the importance of asserting agency as a way forward for Philippine foreign policy. His talk was met with insights from RAdm Rommel Ong (Ret.), also a Senior Research Fellow at APC. Admiral Ong emphasized the need for the Philippines to define its national interests and act upon them clearly.

The discussion was moderated by Dr Kenneth Hartigan-Go, Senior Research Fellow at APC, who guided a dynamic exchange of views throughout the session.

Program highlights were presented by Erinn Flores, Senior Research Fellow at APC, and Angel Castillo, Program Manager of APC’s Health Governance & Security Program. Their presentation showcased APC’s ongoing work at the nexus of public policy, health, and security.

The roundtable concluded with closing remarks from Dean Randy Tuaño of the Ateneo School of Government, who expressed gratitude for the rich exchange of ideas and reaffirmed the School’s commitment to translating these discussions into concrete actions that advance national development.

This timely roundtable discussion is part of the Ateneo Policy Center’s ongoing commitment to fostering critical dialogue and shaping evidence-based, responsive policies.