PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

NEW YORK, 30 May 2026 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted the 13^th annual Philippine Graduation recognition ceremony today, celebrating the academic milestones of 29 Filipino and Filipino-American graduates from colleges and universities across the US Northeast.

Marking over a decade of tradition since its inception in 2013, the milestone event brought together graduates, families, and community leaders to honor the hard work, resilience, and success of the Class of 2026. This year’s cohort represented an impressive array of prestigious institutions, including Columbia University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Rutgers University, Boston University School of Law, and various campuses of the City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY).

In her welcome remarks, Consul Anna Guerra highlighted the collaborative effort that helped the graduates thrive academically. She emphasized how local groups or individuals partner with some families to build support systems and foster nurturing environments for student excellence. Consul Guerra noted that seeing this collective effort culminate in their graduation makes the milestone a deeply rewarding, shared victory for the Filipino-American community in the US northeast.

Deputy Consul General Adrian Cruz, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Consul General, praised the graduates for their relentless pursuit of excellence and emphasized the power of their dual identity as a bridge between the Philippines and the global society.

He urged the Class of 2026 to let core Filipino values guide their future professional paths. “Let these values be your North Star: Bayanihan, the spirit of communal unity; Tibay ng Loob, the innate ability to find hope and strength in adversity; and Malasakit, a deep, genuine compassion for your community,” Deputy Consul General Cruz stated. He added that success is measured by positive impact, reminding them, “Whether you elect to stay in another country or eventually come home to the Philippines, you still serve as modern ambassadors of the Filipino spirit… serve with integrity, excellence, and above all, kindness.” He also paid tribute to the parents, noting that their sacrifices and unconditional love served as the foundation for the graduates’ success.

Mr. Jose Raymundo Mayo II delivered the Response from the Graduates on behalf of the Class of 2026. Mr. Mayo, who graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Economics (concentration in Statistics and Data Science), expressed gratitude to the families, mentors, and community networks that supported the students throughout their academic years.

Reflecting on his journey since arriving four years ago to begin his studies, his message centered on four core principles rooted in Filipino values.  He first emphasized mata sa langit, paa sa lupa, urging his peers to aim high while keeping their feet firmly on the ground. He then spoke on the importance of maging madiskarte, highlighting the need for resourcefulness and resilience in navigating life’s challenges. Furthermore, he highlighted the power of reciprocity through tulungan mo ang mga tao at tutulungan ka din nila, reminding everyone that helping others builds a supportive community that uplifts everyone. Finally, he invoked the traditional proverb ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay di makakarating sa paroroonan, stressing that remembering one’s roots is essential to successfully reaching any future destination.

Following the keynote address, Deputy Consul General Cruz and Vice Consul Peter de la Fuente presented the medals and certificates, formally recognizing each of the 29 graduates for completing their respective higher education programs.