Manila
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation promotes democracy, human rights, economic freedom, and curbing climate change. FNF Philippines focuses on open and digital society, as well as a social market economy. It is also involved in the creation of innovative tools. FNF Philippines team works with local organization partners such as Center for Liberalism and Democracy, Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, Rappler, Philippine Economic Society, and Impact Leadership. Should you have questions or suggestions about our work, please contact us. You can also meet our team here.
News
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FNF Philippines and the Commission on Human Rights Sign Partner Agreement to Expand the Promotion of Human Rights in Philippine Localities
On June 9, 2025, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) entered a partner agreement to implement projects promoting human rights in the Philippines.
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Plaza Miranda Launches First Issue of 2025
In the Philippines, talking openly about important topics like freedom, social justice, liberalism and democracy is more than just a tradition but a necessity. These values should be at core of our communities. But in times when political tensions rise or when people feel unheard, these conversations become even more important. This is why the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Philippines continues to invest in platforms where such discussions can take place.
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More than Just Numbers: Filipino Women Speak up their Truth
A new documentary series called Women Speak Up gives a voice to working Filipino women who experience social inequality and discrimination in their everyday lives. The series was made by the Center for Liberalism and Democracy in partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines to help more people understand the daily struggles of women in the country.
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Liberals in the 2025 Midterm Elections and Beyond
Parliamentary elections were held in the Philippines on May 12. These midterm elections, in which the winners take office midway through President Marcos' term, will elect all 317 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate to form the 20th Philippine Congress. Local elections for the executive and legislative branches were also held in all municipalities, cities and provinces across the country. As in Canada and Australia, the elections showed that liberalism is neither dead nor obsolete. Liberal forces are needed and wanted. There is no other explanation for the surprising election result, especially with regard to the Senate elections.
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CLD Prepares Trainers for Voter Education and Vote Protection Ahead of 2025 Philippine Elections
To capacitate aspiring trainers for voter education and vote protection in the lead-up to the upcoming national and local elections on May 12, 2025, the Center for Liberalism and Democracy (CLD), in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation FNF Philippines, hosted two-parter Training of Trainers (TOT) across various regions of the Philippines starting March 2025.
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“Fighting Starts When Talking Stops”: The South China Sea Conflict in the Light of a New US Foreign Policy
Donald Trump's second term in office is causing unrest in the Pacific. Many countries bordering the South China Sea fear that US support will wane and that China's behaviour could become even more aggressive. Will Trump's isolationism also affect the Indo-Pacific region, giving China ‘free rein’?
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Kababaihang Liberal Holds Second General Assembly to Empower Women and Tackle Election Challenges
On March 16, 2025, Kababaihang Liberal (Liberal women) held its second General Assembly at the Gerry Roxas Training Center in Cubao, Quezon City. The event built on discussions from the recent Training of Trainers, shifting the focus to educating voters in preparation for the upcoming elections.
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Land Titling 2.0: Transforming Property Ownership in the Philippines
Land titles are the bedrock of economic security, personal empowerment, and social stability. In the Philippines, however, the absence of formal ownership documents has left millions vulnerable to disputes and unable to fully leverage their property for development. For generations, untitled land has been a barrier to progress, affecting families across urban centers and rural provinces alike.
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Closing the Gap: Advancing Gender Equality in Property Rights in the Philippines
The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024 offers a mix of optimism and reality. Globally, 68.4% of the gender gap has been closed, while the Philippines has emerged as a regional leader, ranking 25th out of 146 countries with a gender parity score of 77.9%. This puts the country ahead in Southeast Asia, surpassing Singapore (48th), Thailand (65th), and Vietnam (72nd).
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FNF Philippines advocates the Localization of the National Cybersecurity Plan for Local Government Units
Since the 1990s, the exponential growth of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) has revolutionized economies and societies worldwide, serving as a critical enabler of connectivity, innovation, and productivity. While the evolution of ICT faced resistance over decades, the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed its rapid adoption as a necessity rather than an option. This shift ushered in an era of accelerated digital transformation, bringing with it unprecedented opportunities but also heightened risks. The vulnerabilities of digital systems became increasingly apparent, with cyberthreats exploiting weaknesses in cyberspace at an alarming rate.
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Dakila’s Active Vista Launches ReimagiNation Project to Empower Youth Leaders
Dakila’s Active Vista, in its ongoing mission to empower young leaders within communities, launched the ReimagiNation project this year. The initiative aims to nurture young people as storytellers and change-makers within their localities.
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Phase Two of HRAC Project Aims to Improve Human Rights Framework in Caraga LGUs
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) - Caraga Region is continuing the second phase of its project aimed at institutionalizing Human Rights Action Centers (HRACs) across the region. This project, which is part of a partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), follows the initial phase that was carried out from April to June 2024.
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Liberal Caucus of Congressional Staff (LCCS) Training Held to Strengthen Political Advocacy
In April 2024, the Center for Liberalism and Democracy organized the Liberal Caucus of Congressional Staff (LCCS) Training in Baguio City to advance liberal causes. The event aimed to empower political and community mobilizers, experts, and academics with the skills and strategies needed to engage effectively with their communities, build coalitions, and influence policy outcomes in line with liberal values.
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Center for Liberalism and Democracy Promotes Political Discourse and Free Expression
One of the ongoing initiatives of the Center for Liberalism and Democracy (CLD) is to provide a safe space for discussing political and social issues. Through its Freedom Spaces program, CLD fosters open dialogue, encourages free expression, and bridges divides by recognizing the diversity of viewpoints. This initiative aims to create new platforms for liberal democratic values, helping to expand the conversation around political freedoms and social justice.
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CLD Holds Budget Briefing to Scrutinize 2025 National Expenditure Program and Promote Transparent Governance
The Center for Liberalism and Democracy (CLD) is dedicated to promoting liberal policies and advocating for freedom and democracy. One of its key objectives is to raise awareness among Filipinos about their civil, political, and human rights, as well as the roles of political, economic, and socio-cultural institutions.
Social Media
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"𝐊𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲" Ano ba ito? Alamin kung paano ikalat ang kahulugan ng Demokrasya, Responsableng Mamamayan, at Karapatang Pambabae at Pambata sa ating komunidad. #KapihanwithMySis
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Happy International Pride Day! 🌈 Today, we're celebrating love, pride, and the vibrant expression of identity through the art of Ballroom Culture. Rooted in resilience and creativity, Ballroom has shaped the way we speak, move, and celebrate uniqueness which left a lasting mark on pop culture. But let’s be clear: The language of Ballroom didn’t start as catchphrases. They were lifelines. Born from struggle, sharpened by survival, and carried by a community that turned pain into power. So next time you say “yasss,” remember where these words came from – and those who walked the walk so we could talk the talk. Know more about the most popular (and meaningful!) slang phrases of Ballroom Culture on the social media cards below. #PrideMonth2025 #BallroomCulture #FNFPH
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Did you know ballroom culture isn’t just known internationally but it’s also alive here in the Philippines? ✨👑🏆👠 Learn about its roots, the local scene, and the pioneers who helped shape this vibrant space. Swipe through the cards below to dive into the story. This Pride Month, let’s celebrate safe spaces that let the LGBTQIA+ community shine, speak up, and truly be themselves.
