PH Consulate General in NY Engages with Find District 1 in “Kumustahan At Kwentuhan”
BOSTON, MA, 23 February 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York engaged with members of the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND) District 1 in a “Kumustahan at Kwentuhan” networking gathering held at Boston College. The event provided an opportunity for the Consulate to interact with Filipino-American students in the Greater Boston area, introduce its cultural and community programs and consular services, and explore avenues for collaboration with Filipino student organizations in its jurisdiction.
FIND, Inc. is a student-led, non-profit organization comprising over 60 Filipino student associations from colleges and universities across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is divided into nine districts, with FIND District 1 covering Greater Boston, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The organization serves as a platform for fostering cultural awareness, leadership development, and community engagement among Filipino students in the region.
Approximately 40 students participated in the event, the majority of whom are second- and third-generation Filipinos, with only a few having moved to the U.S. from the Philippines to pursue their university studies.
As part of the program, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile provided an overview of the Consulate’s role in consular services, assistance to nationals, trade and investment promotion, cultural diplomacy, and community engagement. Vice Consul Cathe S. Aguilar introduced the Consulate’s cultural, public diplomacy, and community initiatives and discussed scholarship and leadership opportunities available to Filipino-American students. Trade Commissioner Benedict M. Uy introduced economic opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) and startup industries, and encouraged students to explore potential career and investment prospects in these high-growth sectors.
FIND District 1 Community Chair Aaron Arlanza provided an overview of the district’s mission and initiatives, underscoring its commitment to cultural preservation, leadership development, and strengthening connections among Filipino student organizations. He also emphasized the importance of collaborating with relevant institutions to enhance engagement with the Filipino-American student community.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, during which students raised questions on cultural engagements, student exchange opportunities, and potential partnerships with the Consulate whether through FIND or individual student organizations.
“Kumustahan at Kwentuhan” successfully strengthened connections between the Philippine Consulate General in New York and young Filipino student leaders in the region. The Consulate looks forward to continued engagement with FIND and its member organizations to further promote cultural exchange, leadership development, and stronger ties within the Filipino-American student community. END
