NYPCG Explores Academic & Cultural Partnerships with Yale
NEW HAVEN, CT, 21 February 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York continues to strengthen its engagement with higher educational institutions in the U.S. Northeast through a meeting with Yale University. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile met with representatives of Yale’s Council on Southeast Asia Studies to explore potential partnerships in research, cultural exchange, and initiatives that promote Philippine heritage and scholarship at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.
Accompanied by Trade Commissioner Benedict M. Uy, Vice Consul Cathe Ryne Denice S. Aguilar, and Economic Assistant Nikka B. Arenal, Consul General Mangalile engaged in discussions with Yale faculty members, including Prof. Erik Harms, Dr. Dini Alethiani, Dr. Ruth Barnes, and Ms. Charmaine Wong. Leaders of Kasama, Yale’s Filipino student association, also participated, emphasizing the growing interest in Philippine culture and studies within the Yale community.
The Consulate congratulated Yale on its upcoming offering of Filipino (Tagalog) as a credited language course starting in the Fall Term of Academic Year 2025-2026, recognizing it as a significant milestone in strengthening Philippine language and cultural studies in higher education. This development was largely driven by the advocacy of Kasama, whose student leaders mobilized support from the administration and faculty. The Consul General commended their efforts and reaffirmed the Consulate’s readiness to support the program through instructional resources and linkages with Philippine academic institutions.
Discussions also touched on the potential establishment of a Philippine Studies initiative at Yale, with both sides expressing openness to exploring ways to expand Philippine-related academic offerings in the future.
Beyond academics, the meeting also focused on cultural collaborations, including potential participation in the International Festival of Arts and Ideas in New Haven, a major cultural event where Philippine heritage could be showcased through performances and exhibits. The Consul General also introduced the Consulate’s Fiber, Fabric, and Textile Promotion Program, which highlights Philippine indigenous textiles and sustainable materials. Yale’s museums and researchers expressed interest in exploring partnerships and future exhibitions that integrate Philippine weaving traditions and material innovations into Yale’s curatorial and educational initiatives.
To further support Philippine studies at Yale, the Consul General presented a copy of The Frontiers of Foreign Policy: Essays on Philippine Soft Power to be included in the university’s Southeast Asian studies collection, reinforcing the importance of engaging academic institutions in discussions on Philippine foreign policy and regional dynamics. The Consulate looks forward to continued collaboration with Yale in expanding cultural and academic partnerships that promote Philippine heritage and foster deeper engagement between the Philippines and the academic community. END
