PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

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…

PH Consulate Meet with SBMA Officials to Discuss Plan to Advance Economic Initiatives (L-R) Consul Anna Marie Mae R. Guerra and Consul General Senen T. Mangalile met with Mr. Renato W. Lee III, Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment, and Ms. Karen Magno, Department Manager III, of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (Photo by Nikka Arenal). NEW YORK, 26 June 2025 – Consul General Senen T. Mangalile received officials from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) led by Mr. Renato W. Lee III,  Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment, to discuss potential areas of collaboration to promote Subic as a prime destination for both investments and tourism.  Discussions covered key topics including investment opportunities in shipyard operations, tourism, and manufacturing.Consul General Mangalile expressed the Consulate’s support for SBMA’s efforts and reaffirmed its commitment, together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center and Philippine Department of Tourism in New York, to assist in establishing linkages to advance its investment and tourism objectives. END

Filipino Traditions and Talent Shine in 35th PH-American Friendship Fest in Jersey City Dressed in vibrant Filipiniana, parade participants proudly carry a giant Philippine flag during the 35th PAFCOM Grand Parade in Jersey City. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK CITY, 23 June 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York joined the Filipino-American community in celebrating the 35th Philippine-American Friendship Day Grand Parade and Festival organized by the Philippine American Friendship Community, Inc. (PAFCOM) on 22 June 2025 in Lincoln Park, Jersey City.  Jersey City is home to over 16,000 Filipino-Americans and remains a cultural stronghold for the diaspora in the U.S. Northeast.Representing Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz conveyed the Consulate’s appreciation to PAFCOM and its partners for organizing the annual tradition. He paid tribute to the Filipino-American residents of New Jersey for contributing to the progress and stability of their local communities. “My request is that you continue to remain passionate in our history, culture and heritage so that you can impart this to generations of Filipino-Americans,” he said. Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer Cruz addresses the FilAm community of New Jersey during the PAFCOM Parade and Festival opening ceremony.…

PH Consulate, Knights of Rizal Honor National Hero’s 164th Birth Anniversary with Solemn Rites Following the wreath-laying ceremony, the Knights of Rizal gather for a group photo marking the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Philippine Center in New York. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) NEW YORK CITY, 20 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter jointly commemorated the 164th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal with a wreath-laying ceremony on 19 June 2025 at the Philippine Center in New York.In his remarks, Consul General Sir Senen T. Mangalile, KGOR, emphasized the continued relevance of Rizal’s life to Filipinos today, including those living abroad. He reflected on Rizal not as a flawless figure, but as a fellow human being who chose to act when it mattered most. “Just like Rizal, we are not saints, much less gods, but our humanity is what allows us to rise to the occasion, to give what is needed, to fill the gaps that we see in our community,” he said. Consul General Mangalile also acknowledged the indispensable support of the Ladies for Rizal, reaffirming that they do not stand behind the movement,…

Senator Shelly V. Calvo of Guam Engages PH Consulate on Shared Priorities Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, together with Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy and Tourism Representative Maria Corazon Jorda-Apo, met with Senator and Majority Whip Shelly V. Calvo of Guam’s 38th Legislature, and Mr. Paul A. Calvo. (Photos by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 16 June 2025 – Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomed Senator and Majority Whip Shelly V. Calvo of the 38th Legislature of Guam at the Philippine Center in New York to explore opportunities for engagement to further strengthen the Philippines-Guam relationship.The discussion covered a range of shared interests, including the ongoing advocacy for the inclusion of the Philippines in the Guam Visa Waiver Program, the possible revival of Cebu Pacific’s direct Manila-Guam flights, opportunities to expand medical and Rest & Recuperation (R&R) tourism, and broader avenues for economic collaboration.Senator Calvo, who also serves as Co-Vice Chairperson of Guam’s Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Customs, Utilities, and Federal and Foreign Affairs, expressed openness to exploring collaborative initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties.The Consulate reaffirmed its support to achieve shared goals and promote economic interest of both the Philippines and Guam. END

PH Consulate General in New York Joins #BlueMonday in Support of National Refugee Day on 20 June Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (center) and the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in New York pose for a photo following the flag ceremony in support of the Blue Monday campaign. (Photo by Marvin Dimaculangan) NEW YORK CITY, 16 June 2025 — Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 265, s. 2023, which declares 20 June as National Refugee Day and aligns with the global commemoration of World Refugee Day, the Philippine Consulate General in New York marked the occasion by joining the “Blue Monday” campaign during its flag ceremony on 16 June 2025, in solidarity with forcibly displaced and stateless people.Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivered the official message of Department of Justice Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez, Officer-in-Charge of the Secretary of Justice and Chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on the Protection of Refugees, Stateless Persons, and Asylum Seekers for 2025 National Refugee Day. Consul General Mangalile reads the Justice Secretary’s message highlighting the role of the Inter-Agency Committee in strengthening coordinated efforts and upholding the rights of refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas) In his message,…

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Leads Independence Day Flag Ceremony at Philippine Center in New York The commemoration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day at the Philippine Center in New York began with the singing of “Lupang Hinirang” and recitation of the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas and Joey Magaso) NEW YORK CITY, 12 June 2025 — Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo led the flag ceremony in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Philippine Center in New York.The gathering was attended by personnel of the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York, the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York, and the Philippine Center.The ceremony featured the official Independence Day message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who reflected on independence as a hard-earned legacy that must be safeguarded through unity, vigilance, and civic responsibility. He reminded Filipinos that the freedoms won in 1898 remain unfinished work, and that the nation’s progress depends not only on remembrance, but on collective resolve to confront the forces that divide and weaken it from within.…

New York State Capitol Hosts Third Annual Philippine Independence Celebration The Filipino-American community, together with New York State legislators, gather for a group photo at The Well in the New York State Capitol in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Photo by Michael Magsombol) ALBANY, NY, 06 June 2025 – The Filipino spirit echoed through the halls of the New York State Capitol as hundreds gathered for the 127th Philippine Independence Day Celebration. Held in partnership by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Office of Assemblymember Steven Raga, Kalayaan 1521 Council, the Foundation for Filipino Artists, Inc., Kinding Sindaw, Likha Gallery, Hapag Bistro, Dare to Change Consulting, Inc., and Galleros Robinson, the event marked the third consecutive year the event took place at the seat of the New York State government. Filipino-American community at the Assembly Chamber. (Photos by Nikka Arenal) The event commenced at the New York State Assembly Chamber, where Assemblymember Raga, the highest-ranking Filipino-American official ever elected in New York, introduced the Filipino-American community and acknowledged the presence of Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and the delegation from the City of Bacoor, Cavite. The legislators responded with a round of applause,…

Wisconsin Students Gain Insight into the Philippines at Consulate Talk Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivers a presentation “Understanding the Philippines: Political System, Foreign Policy, and Global Role”. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 05 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York welcomed students and faculty from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee for a special lecture titled “Understanding the Philippines: Political System, Foreign Policy, and Global Role,” delivered by Consul General Senen T. Mangalile.The visiting group, composed of undergraduate students in Political Science, International Relations, and Global Studies, is in New York for their Summer Seminar on International Politics and Foreign Policy.In his presentation, Consul General Mangalile provided an overview of the Philippines’ political structure, development agenda, and foreign policy pillars. He emphasized the country’s strategic role in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, and highlighted the contributions of the Filipino diaspora and youth to the country’s global identity.The lecture also covered key issues such as maritime security and the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, and its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028.“The Philippines may be a mid-sized country, but we speak with the weight of history,…

Yakan Textile from PH Consulate Now Part of Penn Museum Collection (L-R) Deputy Consul General Adrian Cruz, Ms. Evelinda Otong-Hamja, Penn Museum’s Keeper of the Asian Collection Stephen Lang, Penn Museum’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Joanne Perez-Tiongson, and Vice Consul Cathe Aguilar during the turnover of the Yakan textile to the Penn Museum on 07 December 2024. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) NEW YORK, 04 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Penn Museum) have formalized the donation of a traditional Yakan woven textile to the Penn Museum, the largest university research museum in the United States.The Yakan textile was turned over by the Consulate to the Penn Museum on 07 December 2024, coinciding with the visit of Ms. Evelinda Otong-Hamja who led a public program “Threads of Tradition: The Art of Yakan Weaving” at the museum. A fourth-generation Yakan weaver, Ms. Otong-Hamja traveled from the Philippines to New York and Philadelphia to give a series of talks, weaving demonstrations, and a hands-on workshop showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Yakan weaving.Considered the oldest Yakan design, the textile is also known as “the cloth with 70 designs”…