27 February 2017 NEW YORK — Two hundred representatives from 95 Filipino-American community organizations throughout the US Northeast participated in the 3rd Filipino-American Community General Assembly held on February 18 at the Philippine Center.
The theme of the gathering was, “Connecting and Collaborating for Change.”
The event updated the organizations on the new initiatives of the Consulate General for 2017 under the new leadership of Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega who recently assumed her post at the Philippine Consulate General New York at the end of October 2016.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Dizon-De Vega underscored that the event serves as a platform for community leaders, members, volunteers and organizations to develop closer linkages, synergy, and collaboration.
She further emphasized that the Consulate General is honored to organize this undertaking in cooperation with partners in the community in order to develop a stronger sense of connectivity among the Fil-Am community.
The morning session was an occasion for the representatives from Philippine Trade and Investment Office (PTIC), Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) and Pag-IBIG Fund to address the community and to apprise them on their respective projects and plans.
For this year’s Assembly, DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado provided the community with updates on the Philippine growth story and the Duterte Administration’s centerpiece 10-point socio-economic agenda designed to ensure the country’s sustainable and inclusive growth agenda.
The Consulate General’s partners from Philippine Airlines (PAL), GMA Pinoy TV, and the Philippine National Bank (PNB) shared their respective services for the Filipino community.
The second half of the Assembly consisted of a breakout session where participants contributed their inputs on six discussion topics namely, Promotion of Philippine Culture and Tourism; Filipino-American Political Engagement; Philippine-US Economic Engagement; Migration and Immigration Related Matters; Giving Back to US Communities; and Giving Back to the Philippines. The inputs will be considered for possible implementation in the future.
The group inputs were presented to the plenary by representatives from among the Community participants. A summary of the General Assembly proceedings closed the program for the day while a full report will be made available to all delegates.
As an immediate output of the General Assembly, the Consulate in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV, will publish an updated Directory of Filipino Community organizations that provided updated contact information.
Ms. Rachelle Ann Go of the forthcoming production of Ms. Saigon likewise made a brief appearance at the Assembly. Souvenirs for the delegates including a roundtrip ticket to the Philippines were raffled off at the event.
The 2017 General Assembly had the highest attendance yet recorded for the activity, a manifestation of increasing engagement and commitment of the Fil-Am Community. The next edition of the General Assembly is slated for early 2018. END
