PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

Filipino Clergy Take the Court for 7th Parilympics Sportsfest in New Jersey Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (holding the microphone in the left photo) addresses Filipino Catholic priests from across the United States and the Caribbean (right), honoring their service and commitment to the Filipino diaspora in their places of assignment. (Photos by Rev. Fr. Manolo Punzalan and Consul General Mangalile) NEW YORK CITY, 07 August 2025 — Over 140 Filipino Catholic priests from 31 archdioceses and dioceses across the United States and the Caribbean gathered in Jersey City from 5 to 7 August 2025 for the 7th Parilympics, a summer sports festival that celebrates faith, camaraderie, and Filipino culture through friendly competition and shared ministry.Speaking at the opening ceremony at the St. Aloysius Church gymnasium in Jersey City, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile thanked the Filipino clergy for their steadfast pastoral work and community leadership. He commended their respective ministries, saying, “By bringing the Filipino brand of malasakit and kapwa-tao into your service, you bring honor to the country of your birth.”Throughout the three-day gathering, clergy members competed in various sports, including basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, chess, and traditional Filipino games such as patintero, batuhang bola, and dama. The…

President Quezon History Day in Saranac Lake, New York Pays Tribute to His Enduring Legacy Right photo: Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivers his message during the commemoration of President Quezon History Day in Saranac Lake. Left photo: A display at the Trudeau Building recalls President Manuel L. Quezon’s time in Saranac Lake, where he sought treatment for tuberculosis, while continuing to lead the Philippines in exile from 1943-1944. (Photos by Alexandra Mangalile) NEW YORK CITY, 04 August 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York joined Historic Saranac Lake, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and architecture of the region, in commemorating the 81st death anniversary of President Manuel L. Quezon, with a ceremony held on 01 August 2025 at the Trudeau Building in Saranac Lake, New York.The commemoration was attended by President Quezon’s grandchildren, Aurora Quezon Avanceña and Manuel Quezon Avanceña, who traveled to Saranac Lake for the first time and were the first members of the family to visit Saranac Lake since their grandfather’s passing in 1944. They expressed their gratitude to Historic Saranac Lake for providing the opportunity to meet others who value President Quezon’s place in Philippine‑American history.Consul General Senen…

Fil-Am Youth Honor Filipino Roots in Vibrant Culmination of 27th Paaralan sa Konsulado Group 3 students showcased their balance and coordination in Sayaw sa Bangko, a traditional Filipino folk dance performed atop narrow benches. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 28 July 2025 – The 27th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK), a longstanding flagship initiative co-organized by the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America, Inc. (AFTA), concluded on 27 July 2025 with festive student performances that capped four Saturdays of Philippine studies, cultural immersion, and community-building among 64 Filipino-American youth who participated in this year’s program.PSK students took the spotlight in the culminating program, presenting an engaging lineup of Filipino songs, dances, and poetry. They performed traditional folk dances such as Pasigin, Gaway-Gaway, Sayaw sa Bangko, and Binanog; musical numbers including Bawat Bata, Mamang Sorbetero, and Tiririt ng Maya; and a sabayang pagbigkas (choral recitation). Selected parents also participated in the program with a performance of the Sinulog dance. Group 2 students (left photo) present a choral recitation on Filipino identity, while Group 1 students (right photo) charm the audience with an adorable rendition of Tiririt ng Maya. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas) In…

PH Economic Officials Undertake Learning Visit to U.S. Innovation Hubs to Advance National Innovation Agenda From left: Consul Anna Marie Mae R. Guerra; Chief Economic Development Specialist James Russel B. De Vera; Innovation Staff Director Diane Gail L. Maharjan; DEPDev Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon; NYU Interim Dean of Arts and Science Dr. Michael Purugganan; Minister Jesus Enrique G. Garcia of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations; DEPDev Director Reverie Pure G. Sapaen; and DEPDev Director Girlie Grace J. Casimiro-Igtiben. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 28 July 2025 – The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), with support from the Philippine Consulate General in New York, conducted a learning visit to New York and Pennsylvania from 23 to 24 July 2025 to advance the implementation of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023-2032, the country’s 10-year strategic framework for improving innovation governance and fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem in the Philippines.Developed by DEPDev as Secretariat of the National Innovation Council, the NIASD outlines strategic reforms to broaden access to innovation through improvements in policy, infrastructure, financing, programs, and governance. The visit aimed to gather best practices from U.S. institutions in support of these priorities.The DEPDev delegation,…

Philippine Delegates Participate in Harvard's Global AI Leadership Program The Philippine delegates to Harvard Kennedy School’s Global AI Leadership Program. NEW YORK CITY, 22 July 2025 — A diverse group of professionals from the Philippines took part in the Harvard Kennedy School’s “Leading in Artificial Intelligence” (LAI) executive program, held from 13 to 18 July 2025. The program convened over 80 participants from across the world to explore the opportunities and challenges of generative AI in public policy, governance, and society. The Philippine delegation included government representatives, civic leaders, and scholars engaged in digital governance and public communication.  Among the participants were: Nino Raymond Alvina, currently involved in digital transformation initiatives at the Department of Finance; Cherry Mae Gonzales, leading reforms in strategic communications and behavioral public policy; Angelica Sarmiento, Chief Information Officer of the DOF, focusing on technology modernization and cybersecurity; Bernadette Romulo Puyat and Mamerto Tangonan, both representing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in areas including financial inclusion and payments systems; Jose Querubin, member of the Monetary Board, bringing extensive experience in finance and governance; and Caroline Jhoy Nacional, Philippine Army Officer and founder of Women's Alliance for Security and Peace (WASP) Asia, a non-profit focused on digital…

Knights of Rizal Connecticut Supports Education in Bulacan with New Two-Classroom Building Consul General Sir Senen T. Mangalile, KGOR, (leftmost) joins Knights of Rizal Fairfield Chapter officers, Ladies for Rizal members, and school officials during the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the newly constructed two-classroom building at Caingin Elementary School. (Photo by Maria Fe Mangalile) NEW YORK CITY, 16 July 2025 — Consul General Sir Senen T. Mangalile, KGOR, together with representatives of the Knights of Rizal Fairfield Chapter, Connecticut, turned over a newly constructed two-classroom building to Caingin Elementary School in Malolos City on 16 July 2025. The ceremony marked the successful completion of a community-driven project made possible by the Fairfield Chapter’s donation of building materials and the collective efforts of the learners’ parents, local community organizations, and barangay volunteers who contributed their time and labor.In his remarks, Consul General Mangalile, a proud Bulaqueño, encouraged the students to excel in their studies and to nurture big dreams that would take them beyond the confines of their community. “Let the partnership between the Knights of Rizal and this community be your springboard as you reach for the stars and make the whole wide world your playground,” he said.Representing the Fairfield…

Philippine Chocolate Tradition Highlighted During World Chocolate Day Officials from the Philippine Consulate General in New York and select members of the Consular Corps pose for a photo with The Chocolate Chamber family, following the event, which featured the evolution of cacao from ‘Bean to Beverage to Brush’. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK, 07 July 2025 – In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with Cebu-based chocolatier The Chocolate Chamber, hosted a two-day cultural event on 07 to 08 July 2025 at the Philippine Center.  The event featured the evolution of cacao in the Philippines - from ‘Bean to Beverage to Brush’ - through an immersive and multi-sensory experience for participants from the Consular Corps, the Filipino-American community, business owners, and personnel from the Consulate, the Philippine Mission to the UN, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, and the Philippine Center Management Board.The event began with the opening of Mr. John Paul “JP” Toquero Choa’s solo exhibition, “Brushstrokes of Worship and Wonder: A Journey Through Nature, Spirit, and Soul.” The featured artworks were created using “sikwate”, a traditional Filipino chocolate drink, and other natural materials, instead of the conventional painting medium.…

Paaralan Sa Konsulado Opens for 27th Year, Continues to Reconnect Young Generations with their Filipino Roots Breakout classroom sessions at Paaralan sa Konsulado featured lessons on Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine geography, folk and pop songs, arts and crafts, and traditional dances, among others. (Photos by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK CITY, 07 July 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America, Inc. (AFTA), formally opened the 27th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) on 5 July 2025 at the Philippine Center-New York. Held every Saturday of July, the month-long summer program brings together Filipino-American children aged 4 to 15 for immersive lessons in Filipino language, history, arts, values, and traditions. In his welcome message, Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz, who is representing Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, described Paaralan sa Konsulado as “a safe space where children can build confidence, connect with peers, and meaningfully express themselves.” He emphasized the importance of heritage learning as a foundation for identity, noting that this year’s program also includes special sessions for Filipino-American parents who wish to refresh their conversational Filipino skills and learn the basics of Baybayin, the pre-colonial Philippine script. AFTA President Rena…

PH Consulate in New York Recognized as Best Organization at 127th DFA Founding Anniversary From right: Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, and Undersecretary for Administration Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega pose for a photo following the conferment of the Best Organization Award. (Photo courtesy of DFA-Office of Public Diplomacy) NEW YORK CITY, 02 July 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York was conferred the 2025 Best Organization Award during the celebration of the 127th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) held on 01 July 2025 in Pasay City.Consul General Senen T. Mangalile received the award on behalf of the Consulate, which was cited for its steadfast dedication and remarkable achievements in promoting Philippine interests in the Northeastern United States, strengthening multifaceted bilateral cooperation, and exemplifying the highest standards of diplomacy, service, and international collaboration.In the same ceremony, the following Consulate personnel were honored as Loyalty Awardees for their years of dedicated service to the DFA:35 YearsRaul C. CuarteroRovald Rene G. Valdez30 YearsMaria Annette F. Aquino-HerreraFrancisco E. EnajeRuth M. Galiza25 YearsAdrian Elmer S. CruzMa. Lolinda N. Villameter20 YearsVanessa K. De Castro10 YearsAnna Marie Mae R. GuerraNikka B.…

Philippine Center Hosts Consular Briefing on Trade, Tariffs, and Solutions Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomes members of the diplomatic corps and trade experts to the Philippine Center for the Consular Briefing on Trade, Tariffs, and Solutions held on 26 June 2025 (Photo by Nikka Arenal). NEW YORK, 26 June 2025 - The Philippine Center in New York served as the venue for the Consular Briefing on Trade, Tariffs, and Solutions, a forum organized by the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFC) in partnership with Gotham Government Relations.The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps and trade professionals for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of US trade policy.The featured speakers - Mr. Robert J. Leo, Partner at Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury LLP, and Mr. David Schwartz, Founder and President of Gotham Government Relations, offered practical insights into recent trade and tariff developments in the US, as well as legal and strategic approaches for navigating the increasingly complex trade environment. The briefing highlighted the need for stronger engagement, adaptive strategies, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that foreign governments and exporters can effectively respond to shifting US trade dynamics. The event forms part of SOFC’s ongoing efforts to…