New York PCG and AFTA Conclude 28th Paaralan sa Konsulado

Celebrating their newfound appreciation for Filipino heritage, the children took the stage and delighted the audience with traditional Filipino dances during the culminating program of the 28th Paaralan sa Konsulado on 01 August 2026 at the Philippine Center New York. (Photos by Jester Louiz Monares)

NEW YORK, 04 August 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York successfully concluded the 28th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) on 01 August 2026 at the Philippine Center in New York, culminating four Saturdays of cultural immersion and heritage education under the theme “Pinag-aaralan ang Nakaraan, Hinuhubog ang Kinabukasan” (Learning our Past, Shaping our Future).

Held on 11, 18, and 25 July and 01 August 2026, this year’s Paaralan sa Konsulado brought together Filipino-American youth aged 4 to 17 for a month-long learning experience designed to deepen their appreciation of Philippine culture, history, language, arts, traditions, and values. Established in 1999 through the partnership of the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA), the program remains one of the Consulate’s flagship cultural initiatives for the Filipino-American community.

Throughout the four-week program, students participated in age-appropriate classroom sessions led by volunteer educators from AFTA. The curriculum included Filipino language, Philippine geography and historical sites, folk and pop songs, folk dances, legends (Alamat), Kwentong Pambata (Children’s Stories), arts and crafts, Filipino heroes, and values formation, providing students with engaging opportunities to discover and appreciate their Filipino heritage.

As part of the program, children learned and participated in traditional Filipino games, connecting with their heritage through fun, teamwork, and shared experiences. (Photos by Rovald Rene Valdez)

This year’s program also introduced lessons on the life, works, and ideals of Philippine National Hero Dr. José P. Rizal, developed in partnership with the Knights of Rizal – Long Island Chapter. The new component encouraged students to reflect on Rizal’s enduring values of patriotism, integrity, education, and service to others.

Complementing the classroom sessions were plenary presentations by distinguished Filipino and Filipino-American professionals who inspired students through their personal stories of achievement and service. Guest speakers included renowned violinist Ruth Tumpalan; technology professional Michaela Ternasky Holland; musicians Prof. Jude Roldan and Dr. Maria Theresa Vizconde-Roldan; and finance professional Robert Baccaray.

Philippine Consul General Senen T. Mangalile hosted a luncheon for the students, volunteer teachers, student volunteers, and community partners of the 28th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK), promoting camaraderie through Filipino food and fellowship. (Photos by Glenda Manalastas)

During the closing ceremonies, Consul General Mangalile described Paaralan sa Konsulado as “one of my favorite events on the Consulate’s calendar” because it celebrates “our greatest investment—our children.”

He noted that since its establishment in 1999, the program has helped generations of young Filipino Americans discover the richness of Philippine language, history, arts, music, traditions, and values, while emphasizing that preserving Filipino identity is a shared responsibility of families, educators, volunteers, and the community.

The 28th Paaralan sa Konsulado concluded with the awarding of certificates to 52 students who successfully completed this year’s program, celebrating their dedication, learning, and appreciation of Filipino heritage and culture. (Photos by Noli Susi)

The Consul General expressed the Philippine Consulate General’s appreciation to AFTA for its unwavering partnership over the past twenty-eight years and thanked the volunteer teachers—including many who are themselves Paaralan sa Konsulado alumni—for generously sharing their time, talents, and passion in nurturing the next generation.

He also recognized the Knights of Rizal – Long Island Chapter for partnering with the Consulate and AFTA in introducing lessons on Dr. José Rizal, noting that students were introduced not only to the country’s National Hero but also to the enduring values he championed, including love of country, integrity, education, and service to others.

Addressing the students, Consul General Mangalile reminded them that being Filipino “is not simply about where you were born or how well you speak the language,” but is reflected in the values they practice every day—respect for others, love for family, resilience, compassion, generosity, and service to the community. He encouraged them to remain proud of their Filipino heritage, continue learning about the Philippines, and carry its values wherever life may lead them.

The closing ceremonies concluded with the recognition of students who successfully completed this year’s Paaralan sa Konsulado.

Consul General Senen Mangalile and AFTA President Rena Pedaria awarded Loyalty Awards to 20 students during the 28th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) in recognition of their three consecutive years of participation in the program. (Photos by Glenda Manalastas)

As the program concluded its twenty-eighth year, the Philippine Consulate General in New York reaffirmed its commitment to working with AFTA and other community partners in promoting Philippine culture, history, and values among Filipino-American youth, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their heritage while making meaningful contributions to the communities they call home. END

Consul General Senen Mangalile joins the students, teachers, and student volunteers of the 28th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) in celebrating the successful completion of the program and their shared commitment to promoting Filipino heritage and culture. (Photo by Maria Annette Aquino-Herrera)