12th Annual Filipino Community General Assembly in New York Strengthens Partnership between the Consulate and Northeast Diaspora
NEW YORK, 03 February 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted its 12th Annual Filipino Community General Assembly on 31 January 2026, reaffirming this gathering’s role as the premier forum for civic engagement, transparency, and collective action. The event was attended by over 100 Filipino community leaders representing more than 50 organizations from across the US Northeast.
The General Assembly served as the vital platform for the presentation of the 2025 Accomplishments and the 2026 Strategic Plans, offering attendees an inside look at how resources are managed to serve the estimated 400,000 Filipinos in its jurisdiction.
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, whose leadership earned the Consulate the DFA 2025 Best Organization Award, reaffirmed that the annual Assembly serves as a vital platform for sharing the Consulate’s roadmap. He dedicated the award to the community, emphasizing that the honor “belongs to all of us, as it reflects the synergy between our office and the community we serve.” Acknowledging that the Consulate’s ambitious goals cannot be achieved alone, Consul General Mangalile invited community leaders to partner in the implementation of the 2026 plans. By fostering this continued cooperation, he aims to ensure that the Consulate’s initiatives—from economic diplomacy to cultural empowerment—redound to the benefit of the country and the “welfare of all Filipinos.”
Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz, in his welcome remarks, thanked the Filipino American community for being a steadfast partner of the Consulate. He urged the community to help promote and expand electoral participation by supporting the continuing registration and certification of qualified overseas Filipinos for the 2028 Philippine Presidential Elections.
A highlight of this year’s assembly was the unveiling of the Commemorative Logo for the 80th Anniversary of Philippines-United States Diplomatic Relations. Consul General Mangalile led the ceremony, noting that the anniversary symbolizes a “partnership built on shared values and strong people-to-people ties.” The unveiling served as a reminder of the Filipino community’s role as “cultural ambassadors” who have shaped the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations over eight decades.
In a video message, Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez described the participants as the “living heartbeat” of the PH-US alliance. He issued a call to action for the Assembly to remain a unified force for advocacy and economic growth, specifically inviting leaders to join the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour this July.
Recognizing that a strong community is an informed one, the second half of the Assembly transitioned into a Townhall Meeting and Legal Clinic held in collaboration with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and the Filipino-American Press Club of New York (FAPCNY). Ms. Salamata Diallo of MOIA provided a “Know Your Rights” briefing that highlighted essential NYC resources and protections for immigrant New Yorkers, while Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel delivered a keynote on the latest immigration updates and legal pathways for Filipino families. Together, these briefings ensured that community leaders returned to their organizations “informed, protected, and empowered” within the current legal landscape.
By bringing together diverse organizations—from professional guilds to regional associations—the 12th Annual General Assembly successfully synchronized the efforts of the diaspora. The event concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration, ensuring that the Filipino community remains a cohesive and influential force in the American landscape. END
