PCG New York Hosts 2026 Unity Iftar: A Call for Solidarity and Heritage
NEW YORK, February 27, 2026 – The Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center served as a beacon of interfaith and international solidarity as the Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted the 2026 Unity Iftar. The event, held in partnership with the Kinding Sindaw Heritage Foundation, brought together a diverse assembly of Filipinos and guests of various nationalities and religions to honor the traditions of the Southern Philippines and the holy month of Ramadan.
In his remarks, Consul General Senen Mangalile reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that the stories of Mindanao—of the Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Yakans, and Samals—are the stories of the Filipino people. He noted that the national recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in the Philippines underscores the government’s commitment to our Muslim brothers and sisters.
The evening was marked by powerful calls for social justice and personal reflections on faith. Renowned community leader Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis delivered a poignant Unity Response, narrating her firsthand observations of the discrimination faced by Muslim batchmates while she was a student at the University of the Philippines. Her message served as a sobering reminder of the systemic challenges many face, culminating in a passionate call for genuine unity and the dismantling of prejudices within the global Filipino community.
Representing the New York City government, Ms. Aliya Latif, Executive Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships under the Mayor’s Office, delivered a message of solidarity. In a demonstration of the city’s commitment to the immigrant community, representatives from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) were also present, providing essential resource materials and guidance on city services to the participants.
Sharing a deeply personal perspective, Mr. Sedic Ampanas spoke on the significance of Ramadan, drawing from his memories of growing up in Pagadian City. He narrated how the values of discipline and devotion learned in the Southern Philippines continue to guide him as a member of the diaspora. These reflections were complemented by a soulful Recitation of the Holy Quran by Mr. Zulqarnain Saputra and Mr. Hamza Razuman.
The spiritual observance concluded with the Adhan and Maghrib prayer led by Mr. Hamza Razuman, followed by a communal meal supported by the Muslim Filipinos in the USA organization, Muslim Women of Queens, La Salle Ice Cream, and Ascend ABA. The evening came to a close with final remarks from Ms. Potri Ranka Manis Queano Nur of Kinding Sindaw, who thanked the attendees for fostering an inclusive community where ancestral traditions and modern identity coexist. The event drew a wide array of distinguished guests, including Dr. Calvin Sun, the emergency room physician and 2025 Manhattan Borough President candidate, highlighting the inter-ethnic and inter-religious appeal of the gathering. END
