25 October 2013 – “Elevate the presence of the Filipino-Americans in the US.” That is the message of Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. during his presentation at the University of Pennsylvania last 21 October 2013. The Penn Philippine Association, a Filipino-American student organization in the University held a symposium to commemorate Filipino-American Heritage Month, where Consul General De Leon was invited as the keynote speaker.
In his speech, Consul General De Leon cited the developments which have helped shape the economic resiliency of the Philippines in spite of the global financial downturn experienced in America and Europe. He went on to describe the impressive performance of the Philippine economy, and the confidence that the international community and financial institutions impart on the country’s investment potential.He emphasized the underlying framework of the government, which is its commitment to good governance and transparency which enables all of these positive transformations to happen.
The audience, mostly composed of young second-generation Filipino Americans, was also apprised of Philippine-US relations. Consul General De Leon stated that the United States remains one of the Philippines’ most important bilateral engagements, drawing from more than a century of shared history. He expounded on the mutually beneficial relationship of the two democracies, from military and defense partnerships, to socio-political and commercial collaboration.
Underscoring the overall theme of the event, the significance of Filipino American Heritage Month to the Filipino community, Consul General De Leon tied up his presentation together by sharing interesting insights about the Filipino diaspora, with emphasis on the US Northeast. According to him, the Filipinos, being the second largest Asian ethnic group in the US at 3.4 million, should be more engaged in their community and the US society in general. Out of that number, about 340,000 is covered by the Consulate in New York and Con.Gen. De Leon mentioned the initiatives that the Consulate General in New York undertake to draw community participation and action. Those activities include conducting Leadership Seminars, sharing responsibility for cultural and community events, holding dialogues to discuss important political and social issues. Particular to the youth sector, he promoted the Filipino Youth Leadership Program, and more proactive approaches to reach out to the younger set by holding events that capture their interest, and being more active in social media.
Summing up his presentation, the Consul General left an inspiring call to action to the students. “Continue to be proud Filipino-American and elevate our presence. Find your passion and be committed to making a genuine contribution. Live out your own stories!” END