13 December 2016 — Officers of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) paid a courtesy call on Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco on December 06.

Consul General Bensurto discussed with DAP officers the Consulate's thrusts to Spark* Empower* Connect* the Filipino-American Community, paying particular attention to the youth and millennials, who desire to learn more about their culture and heritage.

Consul General Bensurto outlined the Consulate’s mission to reach out to the various demographic groups of the Filipino-American Community, mentioning that it is working with the Vallejo Unified School District to promote exchanges between elementary-aged students and the academe in the cities of Vallejo and Manila. 

He also mentioned coordinating with high school-aged Filipino-Americans, many of whom are curious about their roots and identity, as well as its involvement in the Filipino American Youth Leadership Program, which targets accomplished Filipino-American leaders who wish to deepen their ties with the Homeland.

Consul General Bensurto also brought up the possibility of working with DAP to provide a platform by which the second, 3rd and 4th generation Filipino-Americans are able to learn about Philippine history, culture, heritage, and contemporary issues, and to develop in the younger generation a deeper affinity towards the Philippines.

The Consulate General will continue to communicate with DAP on how the youth and millennials of the Filipino-American Community can be further educated to generate greater understanding and appreciation for their culture. END