PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

NEW YORK PCG PARTNERS WITH WEEE! IN A WEBINAR TO EMPOWER FILIPINO MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) AND ENTREPRENEURS IN THE US The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York, in partnership with Weee!, hosted the “Launch on Weee!” webinar on 14 March. This webinar was designed for Filipino and Filipino American entrepreneurs in the Northeastern United States, aiming to empower them to expand their reach within the United States through the Weee! Marketplace. Weee! is the largest and fastest-growing e-commerce platform in the United States, offers an extensive selection of products spanning bakery items, snacks, dry goods, household necessities, and self-care products. The platform provides a unique opportunity for third-party vendors to directly engage with Weee! customers, thereby unlocking significant growth potential for businesses. The webinar offered valuable insights on the process of becoming Weee! retailers, along with detailed strategies on how to effectively utilize the Weee! platform to maximize the visibility of Filipino products and drive sales. In his welcome address, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile highlighted the significance of this initiative, “This collaboration [with Weee!] underscores the Consulate's dedication to promoting Filipino businesses abroad. Weee! distinguishes itself…

PH CONSUL GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS ‘2016 ARBITRAL AWARD ON THE SOUTH CHINA SEA’ CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL LAW AT FORDHAM UNIVERSITY (L-R: Mr. Harlan Cohen, Professor, Fordham Law School, Ms. Marryum Kahloon, Senior Associate at Gibson Dunn, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, and Mr. Eran Sthoeger, Professor at Brooklyn Law School; (top left on screen): Mr. Andrew Loewenstein, Partner at Foley & Hoag LLP and Former Counsel of the Philippines in the South China Sea Case) At a panel discussion on 4 March at the Fordham Law School, Fordham University in New York, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivered a speech on the contribution of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea to international law and the crucial role of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in resolving inter-state disputes. “The [Arbitral] Award is a clarion call for states to respect legal processes and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve disputes peacefully,” the Consul General said. “The ruling not only resolves specific legal questions but also contributes to the evolution of international maritime law, influencing future adjudications and state practices,” he added. “The Philippines’ fervent hope is that actions…

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL EXPLORES PUBLIC DIPLOMACY COOPERATION WITH GMA NETWORK'S FIRST VICE PRESIDENT JOSEPH JEROME FRANCIA Left to Right: Mr. Joseph Jerome T. Francia, First Vice President, Head of International Operations, GMA Network, Inc., and Philippine Consulate General Senen T. Mangalile pose for a photo after their productive meeting at the Philippine Center. (Photo by Maria Annette F. Aquino-Herrera) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile met with Mr. Joseph Jerome T. Francia, First Vice President and Head of International Operations at GMA Network, Inc., at the Philippine Center on 01 March 2024 to explore potential avenues for cooperation in public diplomacy between the Consulate and GMA Network, Inc.Consul General Mangalile highlighted the pivotal role of the Filipino American media in shaping public perceptions and fostering a sense of a community among the Filipino Americans in the US Northeast. He emphasized that by collaborating with GMA Network, Inc., the Consulate General aims to harness GMA’s extensive expertise and wide reach. This partnership is intended to significantly enhance the visibility and impact of the 2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour, which is being organized by the Consulate this year, reaching a broader audience and enriching the global appreciation of the Philippines’ rich cultural…

CONSUL GENERAL MEETS WITH SERBIAN CON GEN TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL TIES Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomed Dr. Vladimir Bozovic, the new Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, on Friday, 23 February 2024, at the Philippine Center.The meeting celebrated the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and Serbia, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of their formal diplomatic relations. Both Consuls General discussed various avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and technological sectors.A highlight of the discussion was the role of the Ayala Corporation's Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI) in Serbia, which stands as a testament to the growing international presence of Philippine companies and the potential for future collaborations.The two officials also shared insights on their involvement in the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SoFC), emphasizing the importance of cultural exchanges and joint activities. Both Consuls General serve as members of the SoFC’s Executive Committee until July 2024.The meeting reaffirms both countries' commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for collaboration that will benefit their peoples and contribute to global peace and prosperity. END

NEW YORK PCG HIGHLIGHTS KEY INITIATIVES IN MEDIA HOUR Consul General Senen T. Mangalile unveils the significant initiatives of the Philippine Consulate General in New York during the Media Hour with the Filipino-American media. (Photo by Cathe Aguilar) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile unveiled significant initiatives during the Philippine Consulate General in New York's first Media Hour of the year, held on 23 January 2024. Reflecting on the past year, Consul General Mangalile highlighted achievements and expressed gratitude for the support received since taking office.During the Media Hour, Consul General Mangalile announced the upcoming 2024 VIP Tour scheduled from 21 to 30 July 2024, covering Manila, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Bukidnon. The addition of the Mindanao leg to the tour presents exciting opportunities for more extensive interactions with local communities, contributing to the broader goal of promoting Philippine culture and heritage. Consul General Mangalile emphasized the importance of media support in promoting the tour, recognizing its potential impact on fostering cultural understanding.The new officer designations were also introduced by the Consul General. With these changes, the Consul General emphasized the Consulate's commitment and continuity in serving the Filipino community. He specifically highlighted the importance of delineating cultural diplomacy from…

NEW YORK PCG AND PDOT NY UNVEIL 2024 VERY IMPORTANT PINOY (VIP) TOUR Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomes close to 100 guests to the launch of the 2024 iteration of the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour. The Philippine Consulate General in New York is the lead coordinator of this year’s tour. (Photo by Nikka Arenal) The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism’s New York Office, officially launched the 2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour on 23 January 2024 at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center in New York.  The event was attended by approximately 100 guests, including airline representatives, travel agencies, members of the Filipino-American press, and individuals from various Filipino community organizations. Scheduled to take place from 21 to 30 July 2024, the upcoming VIP Tour promises an immersive exploration of the captivating destinations of Manila, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Bukidnon. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile's welcome remarks set a resonant tone for the evening, highlighting the pivotal role of Filipino Americans as cultural ambassadors. He stated, "I encourage you to view the VIP Tour as a homecoming—a chance to learn or rediscover the Philippines. This year's VIP Tour is particularly noteworthy, as…