Thomas “Tom” R. Hardy, acting head of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), recently held a roundtable with foreign press members in Washington, D.C., moderated by Zafar Hashemi.
Hardy leads USTDA’s efforts to advance high-quality infrastructure projects that strengthen U.S. national security, create export opportunities for American goods and services, and support U.S. jobs.
He outlined the agency’s “America First” approach to infrastructure development and foreign assistance in emerging markets.
“USTDA is foreign assistance with a purpose,” Hardy said. Its mission, he explained, is to support development in partner countries while advancing U.S. national security, strategic and trade interests.
USTDA’s early-stage project assistance helps partner countries implement major infrastructure projects while positioning American companies to supply trusted technologies and solutions.
Hardy said the Luzon Economic Corridor is driving USTDA’s current program in the Philippines.
“USTDA is financing the design for the Subic-Clark-Batangas Railway,” he said. The agency is also examining investments at Subic Bay and in port infrastructure upgrades.
He said these efforts support Philippine economic security while advancing U.S. national security and broader regional stability.
USTDA has worked closely with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii to identify commercial infrastructure investments that could strengthen the Philippine economy. Possible projects include the energy and port sectors, with USTDA providing seed capital to attract private funding.
Hardy also cited digital-sector projects with PLDT on network expansion and with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Philippine government on broadband coverage.
He said the Philippines is seeking trusted digital vendors and that USTDA supports American companies such as Cisco and Microsoft over Huawei, ZTE and other providers the U.S. government considers potential security risks.
He described the agency’s work in Subic Bay as an economic and national security priority in the region.
Eat Bulaga’s “Age Is Right” Staffer Earns Praise
I got to know Rovi Bernardino Padilla through beauty queen Catherine Muguerza, who appeared on the TV5 noontime show Eat Bulaga in its “Age Is Right” segment.
When Catherine called me in May 2026, I was attending a film and theater workshop conducted by the PhilStagers in Manila. I could not leave to attend an afternoon taping at TV5. I informed Rovi, and he readily understood.
Rovi contacted me again in July 2026. I have heard many good things about this Eat Bulaga staffer.
Jayson Tan thanked Rovi, writing that he was “the main reason why I was chosen to be a part of this show. Thank you so much for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Others who thanked him included indie actor Benjie Belena; Ilonggo singer-songwriter Aleck Calata; Cebuano dancer-choreographer Abigail Abion Padilla; veteran radio talent Tina Loy; character actor and stuntman Charlie Panopio; TV host Zeyzey Bolima; signboard maker Nelson Infante Pano; and beauty queen Angelica Mae Diez.
10th Anniversary of the Philippines’ Arbitral Victory in the West Philippine Sea
Members of fisherfolk communities joined supporters who gathered July 12 at the tomb of former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ landmark arbitral victory in the West Philippine Sea.
Those present included Kiko Aquino Dee, Lorenzo Tañada, Kim Henares, Dr. Patricia Licuanan, Teresita Deles, Volt Bohol, fisherfolk leader Restituto del Rosario, fishermen Rey Miranda and Tirso Atiga, Ramon Balang and Brainard “Jojo” Roxas.
Members of the Liberal Party of the Philippines, the August Twenty One Movement and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation also attended. They paid tribute to Aquino’s leadership in pursuing the arbitration administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration and defending the country’s sovereign rights under international law.
The Mass was presided over by the Rev. Fr. Joseph Patrick Echevarria, SJ, who had been assigned to Loyola College of Culion in Palawan and lived among fishing communities affected by China’s activities in Philippine waters.
“Violet” Selected for International Tagore Film Awards
The short film “Violet” has been officially selected for the 2026 International Tagore Film Awards in Kolkata, India.
“We are grateful that our story continues to reach audiences beyond borders, sparking conversations on issues that matter and giving voice to stories that deserve to be heard,” said writer-director PX Ilano.
The film stars Elia Ilano, Ataska, Kian Co, Randy T. Dela Cruz, Malou Naredo Canzana and JJ Cillo. It was written and directed by Paulo Xavier Ilano, with Nelson Villamayor serving as editor and director of photography.
It was produced by Wereldwijd voor Kinderen, State of Youth Manila and KidsRights Foundation, an NGO accredited by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
“Violet” is an official grantee of the International Children’s Peace Prize 2026 Project Theme Fund, whose theme is “Peace and Education.”
Boy Gozum Pays Tribute to His Parents
Photographer and artist Rafael “Boy” Gozum recently paid tribute to his parents, Rafael Sr. and Marciana.
On July 24, he will hold a group exhibition featuring 80 artists in honor of his late father, former Mayor Rafael Gozum Sr., at the family mansion’s museum in Cabatuan, Isabela.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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