PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

Philippine Delegates Participate in Harvard's Global AI Leadership Program The Philippine delegates to Harvard Kennedy School’s Global AI Leadership Program. NEW YORK CITY, 22 July 2025 — A diverse group of professionals from the Philippines took part in the Harvard Kennedy School’s “Leading in Artificial Intelligence” (LAI) executive program, held from 13 to 18 July 2025. The program convened over 80 participants from across the world to explore the opportunities and challenges of generative AI in public policy, governance, and society. The Philippine delegation included government representatives, civic leaders, and scholars engaged in digital governance and public communication.  Among the participants were: Nino Raymond Alvina, currently involved in digital transformation initiatives at the Department of Finance; Cherry Mae Gonzales, leading reforms in strategic communications and behavioral public policy; Angelica Sarmiento, Chief Information Officer of the DOF, focusing on technology modernization and cybersecurity; Bernadette Romulo Puyat and Mamerto Tangonan, both representing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in areas including financial inclusion and payments systems; Jose Querubin, member of the Monetary Board, bringing extensive experience in finance and governance; and Caroline Jhoy Nacional, Philippine Army Officer and founder of Women's Alliance for Security and Peace (WASP) Asia, a non-profit focused on digital…

Knights of Rizal Connecticut Supports Education in Bulacan with New Two-Classroom Building Consul General Sir Senen T. Mangalile, KGOR, (leftmost) joins Knights of Rizal Fairfield Chapter officers, Ladies for Rizal members, and school officials during the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the newly constructed two-classroom building at Caingin Elementary School. (Photo by Maria Fe Mangalile) NEW YORK CITY, 16 July 2025 — Consul General Sir Senen T. Mangalile, KGOR, together with representatives of the Knights of Rizal Fairfield Chapter, Connecticut, turned over a newly constructed two-classroom building to Caingin Elementary School in Malolos City on 16 July 2025. The ceremony marked the successful completion of a community-driven project made possible by the Fairfield Chapter’s donation of building materials and the collective efforts of the learners’ parents, local community organizations, and barangay volunteers who contributed their time and labor.In his remarks, Consul General Mangalile, a proud Bulaqueño, encouraged the students to excel in their studies and to nurture big dreams that would take them beyond the confines of their community. “Let the partnership between the Knights of Rizal and this community be your springboard as you reach for the stars and make the whole wide world your playground,” he said.Representing the Fairfield…

Philippine Chocolate Tradition Highlighted During World Chocolate Day Officials from the Philippine Consulate General in New York and select members of the Consular Corps pose for a photo with The Chocolate Chamber family, following the event, which featured the evolution of cacao from ‘Bean to Beverage to Brush’. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 07 July 2025 – In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with Cebu-based chocolatier The Chocolate Chamber, hosted a two-day cultural event on 07 to 08 July 2025 at the Philippine Center.  The event featured the evolution of cacao in the Philippines - from ‘Bean to Beverage to Brush’ - through an immersive and multi-sensory experience for participants from the Consular Corps, the Filipino-American community, business owners, and personnel from the Consulate, the Philippine Mission to the UN, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, and the Philippine Center Management Board.The event began with the opening of Mr. John Paul “JP” Toquero Choa’s solo exhibition, “Brushstrokes of Worship and Wonder: A Journey Through Nature, Spirit, and Soul.” The featured artworks were created using “sikwate”, a traditional Filipino chocolate drink, and other natural materials, instead of the conventional painting medium.…

Paaralan Sa Konsulado Opens for 27th Year, Continues to Reconnect Young Generations with their Filipino Roots Breakout classroom sessions at Paaralan sa Konsulado featured lessons on Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine geography, folk and pop songs, arts and crafts, and traditional dances, among others. (Photos by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK CITY, 07 July 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America, Inc. (AFTA), formally opened the 27th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) on 5 July 2025 at the Philippine Center-New York. Held every Saturday of July, the month-long summer program brings together Filipino-American children aged 4 to 15 for immersive lessons in Filipino language, history, arts, values, and traditions. In his welcome message, Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz, who is representing Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, described Paaralan sa Konsulado as “a safe space where children can build confidence, connect with peers, and meaningfully express themselves.” He emphasized the importance of heritage learning as a foundation for identity, noting that this year’s program also includes special sessions for Filipino-American parents who wish to refresh their conversational Filipino skills and learn the basics of Baybayin, the pre-colonial Philippine script. AFTA President Rena…

PH Consulate in New York Recognized as Best Organization at 127th DFA Founding Anniversary From right: Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, and Undersecretary for Administration Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega pose for a photo following the conferment of the Best Organization Award. (Photo courtesy of DFA-Office of Public Diplomacy) NEW YORK CITY, 02 July 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York was conferred the 2025 Best Organization Award during the celebration of the 127th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) held on 01 July 2025 in Pasay City.Consul General Senen T. Mangalile received the award on behalf of the Consulate, which was cited for its steadfast dedication and remarkable achievements in promoting Philippine interests in the Northeastern United States, strengthening multifaceted bilateral cooperation, and exemplifying the highest standards of diplomacy, service, and international collaboration.In the same ceremony, the following Consulate personnel were honored as Loyalty Awardees for their years of dedicated service to the DFA:35 YearsRaul C. CuarteroRovald Rene G. Valdez30 YearsMaria Annette F. Aquino-HerreraFrancisco E. EnajeRuth M. Galiza25 YearsAdrian Elmer S. CruzMa. Lolinda N. Villameter20 YearsVanessa K. De Castro10 YearsAnna Marie Mae R. GuerraNikka B.…

Philippine Center Hosts Consular Briefing on Trade, Tariffs, and Solutions Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomes members of the diplomatic corps and trade experts to the Philippine Center for the Consular Briefing on Trade, Tariffs, and Solutions held on 26 June 2025 (Photo by Nikka Arenal). NEW YORK, 26 June 2025 - The Philippine Center in New York served as the venue for the Consular Briefing on Trade, Tariffs, and Solutions, a forum organized by the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFC) in partnership with Gotham Government Relations.The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps and trade professionals for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of US trade policy.The featured speakers - Mr. Robert J. Leo, Partner at Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury LLP, and Mr. David Schwartz, Founder and President of Gotham Government Relations, offered practical insights into recent trade and tariff developments in the US, as well as legal and strategic approaches for navigating the increasingly complex trade environment. The briefing highlighted the need for stronger engagement, adaptive strategies, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that foreign governments and exporters can effectively respond to shifting US trade dynamics. The event forms part of SOFC’s ongoing efforts to…