PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

Major Floren Herrera Becomes First Filipino To Receive West Point’s Nininger Award For Valor at Arms Major Floren Herrera, recognized for his exceptional leadership and valor during the Marawi conflict, receives the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, presented by Lieutenant General Steven Gilland (behind Major Herrera) and Colonel Mark D. Bieger (left) at West Point, New York. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK CITY, 11 October 2024 – Major Floren P. Herrera made history as the first Filipino and non-American to receive the prestigious Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, conferred by the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. Major Herrera, currently serving in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has gained recognition for his leadership in critical counterterrorism operations.A graduate of West Point in 2013, Major Herrera was honored for his bravery and leadership during the five-month Battle of Marawi in 2017, where he led his platoon against over 1,000 foreign militants and local terrorists. His tactical expertise and decisive actions, including the neutralization of key enemy leaders, were instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. For his heroism, Major Herrera was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star, the Philippines'…

‘Philippine-American War (1899-1902): Complex Symbols & Conflicting Relationships’ Exhibit Unveiled Aboard Olympia Representatives from the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) and the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia (FECGP) cut the ribbon at the opening of the exhibit Philippine-American War (1899-1902): Complex Symbols & Conflicting Relationships aboard Olympia, as Consul General Senen T. Mangalile witnesses the ceremony. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) PHILADELPHIA, PA, 09 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York joined the opening of the Philippine-American War (1899-1902): Complex Symbols & Conflicting Relationships exhibit, organized by the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) and the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia (FECGP), aboard the historic cruiser Olympia.The exhibit delves into the history that ties the Philippines and the United States together, explores the complex shared yet often contentious history between the Philippines and the United States, focusing on the complex legacies of American colonialism and its lasting impact on both nations.In his opening remarks, ISM President and SEO Peter S. Seibert emphasized the significance of this collaboration with the Filipino community. “We were thrilled to work with the community and the committee to bring this exhibition to life. The story of Olympia, the story of the Filipino people, and…

Homecoming sa Konsulado Celebrates 12 Years of Bringing Together Filipino Alumni across US Northeast Participants of the 12th Homecoming sa Konsulado gathered at Van Saun Park in New Jersey, representing various Philippine universities and alumni associations across the northeastern US, coming together to celebrate Philippine culture, unity, and community spirit. NEW YORK CITY, 09 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with various Philippine alumni associations in the northeastern US, held the 12th Homecoming sa Konsulado (HSK) on 05 October 2024 at Van Saun Park in Paramus, New Jersey.With the theme, “Magkaisa sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event brought together 13 alumni from Philippine universities and colleges in a vibrant celebration of Philippine heritage that fostered unity and shared pride in their roots and achievements.Ms. Vivian Talambiras-Cruz, representing the organizing team from the alumni associations, emphasized the importance of HSK in nurturing camaraderie and the deep connections between alumni and their alma maters in the Philippines. She highlighted the event’s continued success and a strong collective effort from the community that made this year’s celebration possible.In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile underscored the role of HSK in strengthening the bonds within the Filipino alumni…

PH Consulate General in New York Announces 2025 Online Voting System and Upcoming Major Events at Media Hour Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (seated directly under the television screen) discusses key updates on the upcoming 2025 Philippine national elections, addressing concerns from media representatives about the security of the newly introduced online voting system. NEW YORK CITY, 03 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted its quarterly Media Hour on 02 October 2024 at the Philippine Center New York, where it presented the introduction of online voting for overseas Filipinos in the 2025 Philippine national elections and a preview of its upcoming events for the remainder of the year.Consul General Senen T. Mangalile informed the Filipino-American media that the online voting system will be implemented for the first time for overseas Filipinos, with the goal of increasing voter participation by providing a more accessible voting process. He added that a comprehensive information campaign is set to be rolled out in the coming months to ensure Filipino communities across the northeastern US are well-informed about the new process and pre-enrollment requirements.Consul General Mangalile also shared the Consulate’s lineup of activities, including the Kundiman Seminar-Workshop and Concert on…

New York PCG Filipinnovation Forum Showcases Filipino Leadership in Advancing Sustainable Development Filipino professionals share their insights and efforts in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the panel discussion at forum on “Filipinnovation: Charting the Path to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 30 September 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted a forum on “Filipinnovation: Charting the Path to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” at the Philippine Center in New York, which featured the contributions and leadership by Filipino and Filipino-American professionals in driving solutions to meet the SDGs. The event brought together young leaders who are making strides in various fields to advance sustainability and inclusivity.In his welcome remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile echoed the sentiments of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, underscoring the critical role of collaboration in tackling issues such as climate change, inequality, and economic growth. He remarked, “The effects of global inequality, economic uncertainty, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change stare at us directly and with an unwavering gaze. We hope that in our own small way, this forum, and the incredible Filipinnovators you will hear from today, will…