The Philippines has emerged as a global leader in pioneering innovative solutions to addressing some of the world’s greatest development challenges.

The U.S. Embassy Manila’s U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and two United States-based organizations, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), recently announced new research projects that advance the scientific and technical capacity of both the United States and partner countries in critical areas of development.

A total of $8.5 million (370 million pesos) was awarded to 46 projects in 23 countries, with the Philippines taking home a staggering seven grants to fund work that combats tuberculosis, preserves biodiversity and boosts environmental resilience.

The grants are funded through a grant-making facility, the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program, a joint initiative designed to foster collaborative global research. Through the competitively awarded program, USAID directly supports researchers in developing countries who work with U.S. government-funded researchers.

This grant opportunity coincides with the worldwide launch of USAID’s Science Technology and Innovation Partnerships (STIP), an initiative which underscores the role of science and research in helping countries leapfrog their development.

USAID/Philippines Mission Director Gloria D. Steele said, “We are working closely with our partners in the national and local governments, the private sector, civil society organizations and academia. Together, we are supporting initiatives that develop locally-driven innovative solutions to support the Philippine Government’s goal of fostering broad-based, inclusive and resilient growth.”

The seven projects awarded in the Philippines represent a diverse set of approaches to advancing development in the country. One aims to preserve mangrove ecosystems to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Another will improve childhood tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment, and yet another will sustain native biodiversity in the face of climate change. The project proponents will collaborate with researchers in universities in the United States, such as the California Academy of Sciences, Smithsonian Institution, and UCLA School of Medicine.

PEER allows scientists to collaborate worldwide on a variety of crucial research areas, such as maternal and child health, glacier retreat and water resource sustainability, drought and climate change mitigation, and pollution remediation. PEER awardees were selected from over 300 high-quality proposals.

Since its launch in 2011, PEER has supported more than 150 projects in over 40 countries, an investment of about $28 million. Previous awardees are already seeing positive impacts from their projects: development of integrated humanitarian logistics systems in Colombia, improved yam seed varieties in Nigeria, reduced exposure to arsenic and fluoride in groundwater in India, and assessment of volcanic hazards in Armenia.

“We hope these grants will help Filipinos implement long-term solutions to the country’s pressing development challenges,” USAID Philippines Director Gloria Steele said, reiterating the U.S. Government’s commitment to further enhancing Filipino talent and skill to produce innovative solutions that will spur inclusive and resilient growth.

For a complete list of award recipients, visit http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/dsc/peer/index.htm.

About USAID
The American people, through the United States Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for over 50 years. In the Philippines, USAID works in partnership with the national government in creating a more stable, prosperous and well-governed country through programs that foster sustainable and inclusive growth, strengthen governance and combat corruption, improve access to water, energy, health and education services, increase environmental resilience and natural resource management capabilities. For more information, visit http://www.usaid.gov/philippines or contact USAID/Philippines Development Outreach and Communications via email: infoph@usaid.gov.