MABUHAY!

Welcome to USAPAN, the online newsletter and e-group of the USA - Philippines Ecumenical Advocacy Network. The Tagalog word usapan has two basic meanings which is very appropriate to what this group is all about. Usapan may be used to mean "dialogue" or "agreement." This group is committed to dialogue and sharing information about current socio-political and economic issues in the Philippines and how together we can help in facilitating meaningful and positive change.

Mission Statement

The USA – Philippines Ecumenical Advocacy Network (USAPAN) is an inclusive network of faith-based individuals and groups based in the United States representing diverse religious, political, and organizational affiliations who support peace and justice movements in the Philippines.

Vision Statement

The USA – Philippines Ecumenical Advocacy Network (USAPAN) believes that US Militarism and the US-led Global War on Terror in the Philippines are some of the most egregious challenges to peace, justice, and democracy in the Philippines today. Implicitly or explicitly, US policies in the Philippines contribute to extra-judicial killings, counter-insurgency campaigns and unconventional warfare in Mindanao and other parts of the Philippines, degrading thereby human rights and basic livelihood, encouraging the repression of civil liberties, and legitimizing military impunity.

In order to uphold, nurture, and defend peace and justice movements in the Philippines, the USA – Philippines Ecumenical Advocacy Network (USAPAN) will (i) gather and disseminate information on the Philippines, (ii) organize and support US-based people-to-people action to apply international pressure on behalf of the victims of harassment, torture, imprisonment or political killings, and (iii) will lobby the US government to change and be accountable for its foreign policies.