United States Government Alumni Association - USGAA Zamboanga

What a year 2025 has been!

Join us as we look back on a year filled with milestones, teamwork, and meaningful impact. From community initiatives to unforgettable experiences, each achievement was made possible because of our dedicated alumni and partners.

Join us as we unwrap the highlights of our year to discover the moments that defined USGAA-ZC in 2025 by checking out each post. The journey has been incredible, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

𝗨𝗦𝗚𝗔𝗔 𝗭𝗖’𝘀 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

On December 27, members of USGAA-ZC at Iyas Cafè Resto from different alumni organizations had its Year-end party, an opportunity to come together and look back on everything that was accomplished this year. Projects that were carried out throughout the year were discussed as well as the upcoming project, elected the set of new executives, and wrapped up the event with a fun gift exchange.

What a meaningful way to close the year with gratitude and looking forward for what’s coming ahead. Together, let us continue to Sail to Serve!

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝘇𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🎂💙

Today, we’re celebrating someone who’s been a special part of our USGAA-ZC family. As an 𝗣𝗬𝗟𝗣 ‘𝟭𝟱 𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗮 (𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟮), Azel has exemplified how to lead with compassion, remain humble, and consistently be there for others.

May this new year bring you smooth sailing, exciting adventures, and countless moments of joy. Thank you for being a true inspiration to the PYLP and USGAA family, your leadership keeps our ship steady and our sails high!

Here’s to another amazing voyage ahead! Wishing you a birthday as meaningful and impactful as the legacy you continue to build. Sᴀɪʟ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴜs, ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs! 🌟💙

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗡𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲! 🎉🎂

Sometimes, the best celebrations come after the tide settles. This one’s for our extraordinary Alumni whose light continues to shine brightly in our alumni community.

A belated but heartfelt birthday greeting to our amazing changemakers who’ve led with heart, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Their journeys reflect not just another year of life, but the continued shaping of a legacy that inspires and uplifts. Through calm and storm, their leadership has helped chart the course for USGAA-Zamboanga City, steady, strong, and true.

From all of us at USGAA-ZC, thank you for keeping the spirit of youth service alive. Here's to more waves to conquer and skies to explore.

Sᴀɪʟ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴜs, ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs! 🌟💙

𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀

In partnership with the United States Government Alumni Association - Davao, American Corner Zamboanga - ADZU together with USGAA Zamboanga City, brought the Currents to Courage Project to the American Corner, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, on December 12, 2025, through a forum discussion titled “𝘕𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺: 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘴”.

The event aimed to strengthen public understanding particularly among the youth of the Philippines’ evolving maritime challenges. Amid increasing pressures in the country’s waters, including unauthorized activities and rising regional tensions, the discussion emphasized how maritime security plays a vital role in protecting national sovereignty, maintaining regional stability, and supporting economic growth.

Speakers and reactors provided insights on the country’s maritime domain, current regional developments, and the importance of safeguarding shared seas through cooperation and informed engagement. Notably, one of the forum’s reactors was Atty. Allen Bejerano, an alumna of USGAA-ZC, who shared valuable perspectives during the discussion in maritime security.

This project is organized by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, U.S. International Exchange Alumni- Philippines, American Spaces Philippines, United States Government Alumni Association - Davao and United States Government Alumni Association - USGAA Zamboanga, Ateneo de Davao University, and Mariknows Philippines, in partnership with Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative- Davao Hub, DMMA SOME Student Organization of Marine Engineering, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and Palawan State University.

Meet our Speakers, Reactors, and Discussants for “Navigating Maritime Security: Security, Sovereignty, and Shared Seas”!

Join us tomorrow for the From Currents to Courage Project, an initiative launched to strengthen public understanding of the Philippines’ evolving maritime challenges. With increasing pressures in our seas—from unauthorized activities to rising geopolitical tensions—it is essential for young Filipinos to understand how maritime security supports national stability, development, and economic growth.

As part of this project, Navigating Maritime Security: Security, Sovereignty, and Shared Seas brings together an exceptional lineup of speakers, moderators, reactors, and youth discussants who will help broaden the country’s maritime conversations.

The Forum and Roundtable Discussion (RTD) will feature in-depth exchanges on the Philippine maritime domain, current regional developments, and the shared responsibility of protecting our waters. The RTD segment, in particular, brings together voices across military, academic, policy, and youth sectors—allowing for a richer, more dynamic exploration of maritime issues and their real-world implications.

Among the featured participants are senior representatives from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, maritime professionals, specialists from security agencies, scholars from partner universities, and youth leaders who are passionate about contributing to the future of the country’s maritime landscape.

This project is organized by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, U.S. International Exchange Alumni- Philippines, American Spaces Philippines, United States Government Alumni Association - Davao, United States Government Alumni Association - USGAA Zamboanga, Ateneo de Davao University, Mariknows Philippines, in partnership with Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative- Davao Hub and DMMA SOME Student Organization of Marine Engineering.

Join us aboard the From Currents to Courage Project, an initiative launched to strengthen public understanding of the Philippines’ evolving maritime challenges.

The event will be held on December 12, 2025, from 8:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:30 to 4:30 PM at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, American Corner.

Register here: https://forms.gle/pTUoJAFMu52qNGQm8 on or before December 9, 2025.

Join us aboard the From Currents to Courage Project, an initiative launched to strengthen public understanding of the Philippines’ evolving maritime challenges. Our waters today face increasing pressures, from unauthorized activities to rising tensions between major countries, making it essential for young Filipinos to understand how maritime security supports national stability and economic growth.

As we set our course for this project, we invite you to Navigating Maritime Security: Security, Sovereignty, and Shared Seas, a forum and roundtable discussion that will chart insights on the country’s maritime domain, regional developments, and the importance of safeguarding our shared waters.

The event will be held on December 12, 2025, from 8:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:30 to 4:30 PM at Ateneo de Davao University.

Participants who demonstrate strong interest may be considered for the Youth Ambassadors Program for Maritime Security. Please note that only accepted registrants who receive a confirmation email may join. Heavy snacks will be provided for both sessions.

Register here: https://bit.ly/FromCurrentstoCourage or by scanning the QR code on the poster on or before December 8, 2025.

Set sail with us as we navigate toward safer, stronger, and shared seas.

This project is organized by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, U.S. International Exchange Alumni- Philippines, American Spaces Philippines, United States Government Alumni Association - Davao and United States Government Alumni Association - USGAA Zamboanga, Ateneo de Davao University, and Mariknows Philippines, in partnership with Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative- Davao Hub, DMMA SOME Student Organization of Marine Engineering, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and Palawan State University.

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🎂💙

Today, we’re celebrating someone who’s been a special part of our USGAA-ZC family. As an 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗫 𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗮 (𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 ‘𝟮𝟮), Jabir has exemplified how to lead with compassion, remain humble, and consistently be there for others.

May this new year bring you smooth sailing, exciting adventures, and countless moments of joy. Thank you for being a true inspiration to the YES and USGAA family, your leadership keeps our ship steady and our sails high!

Here’s to another amazing voyage ahead! Wishing you a birthday as meaningful and impactful as the legacy you continue to build. Sᴀɪʟ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴜs, ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs! 🌟💙

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🎂💙

Today, we’re celebrating someone who’s been a special part of our USGAA-ZC family. As a 𝗬𝗘𝗦 𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗮 (𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 ‘𝟮𝟭-‘𝟮𝟮), Sarah has exemplified how to lead with compassion, remain humble, and consistently be there for others.

May this new year bring you smooth sailing, exciting adventures, and countless moments of joy. Thank you for being a true inspiration to the YES and USGAA family, your leadership keeps our ship steady and our sails high!

Here’s to another amazing voyage ahead! Wishing you a birthday as meaningful and impactful as the legacy you continue to build. Sᴀɪʟ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴜs, ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs! 🌟💙

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🎂💙

Today, we’re celebrating someone who’s been a special part of our USGAA-ZC family. As a 𝗬𝗘𝗦 𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗮 (𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 ‘𝟮𝟭-‘𝟮𝟮), Sharifa has exemplified how to lead with compassion, remain humble, and consistently be there for others.

May this new year bring you smooth sailing, exciting adventures, and countless moments of joy. Thank you for being a true inspiration to the YES and USGAA family, your leadership keeps our ship steady and our sails high!

Here’s to another amazing voyage ahead! Wishing you a birthday as meaningful and impactful as the legacy you continue to build. Sᴀɪʟ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴜs, ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs! 🌟💙