Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia with FYLPRO representatives as they sign a 3-year partnership with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and Ayala Foundation, Inc., which commences the launch of its 2016 Immersion Program application that would identify 10 Filipino-American young leaders to join an all-expense paid, week-long program in the Philippines. The program includes meetings with top government, business and civil society leaders in the Philippine
LOS ANGELES — FYLPRO representatives on May 18 signed a 3-year partnership with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and Ayala Foundation, Inc., which commences the launch of its 2016 Immersion Program application that would identify 10 Filipino-American young leaders to join an all-expense paid, week-long program in the Philippines, FYLPRO President Bea Rico announced today.
The program includes meetings with top government, business and civil society leaders in the Philippines.
Rico was joined at the City Hall Tom Bradley Tower by Board Chair Kit Zulueta and Philippine Ambassador to the United States and FYLPRO founder Jose L. Cuisia Jr., as well as a representative of Ayala Foundation. Rico said the partnership strengthens the organization’s relationship with the Philippine Embassy, the Consulates General in the United States, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Ayala Foundation.
The official dates of the 2016 Immersion Program is Nov. 24 through Dec. 2. This is the fifth FYLPRO Immersion Program since its inception in 2012.
“We are in search of the next 10 to join the esteemed network of FYLPRO delegates across the United States, who all share the same passion of advancing the Filipino-American community,” Rico said. “If you share the same passion, we urge you to apply.”
Interested individuals may click here to apply. The deadline is Sunday, July 24, 2016, midnight of Hawaii Standard Time.
FYLPRO Immersion Program criteria:
No younger than 25 years old and no older than 40 years old by November 24, 2016.
Ready and capable of traveling to the Philippines, to arrive in Manila on or before November 23, 2016.
Have potential or demonstrated leadership skills within their school, community, workplace or other area of involvement; and,
Have potential or demonstrated involvement in the Filipino-American community, or in issues and activities that align with the interest of the Filipino-American community or the Philippines.
Ambassador Cuisia made it a priority from his busy schedule to attend the L.A. reception to encourage all to apply and help further the organization’s mission to make sure the participation and voice of the younger generation – who are leaders of today, are recognized in community building.
“I wanted to be here to show the kind of support I have for FYLPRO.” Cuisia addressed a room full of Fil-Am leaders. “FYLPRO is one of the undertakings that I am very proud of among my accomplishments as Philippine Ambassador.”
He credited his wife, Mrs. Vicky Cuisia, for encouraging him to invest time for the younger generation of Fil-Am leaders.
Nine FYLPRO alumni from the West Coast and Hawaii flew in to share experiences since participating in their immersion trips. Some alumni shared how the trip has inspired them to create “Legacy Projects” such as business enterprises, events and projects that help advance the Fil-Am community in the U.S. with partners made in the Philippines.
“It’s important to be in rooms where policy is discussed because very few Filipino-Americans are at the table,” said 2015 FYLPRO alumna Jessica Caloza, who is currently in LA Mayor Garcetti’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “We must make sure we develop our pipeline in the public and private sector because we have the privilege and responsibility to speak for our community both in the U.S. and abroad.”
“FYLPRO is life-changing,” Rico said. “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to join other Fil-Am leaders, explore their roots, and build deep relationships and an appreciation for the Philippines.”
Other honored guests at the event were L.A. Philippine Consulate General Leo M. Herrera-Lim, City of Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo, LA Board of Public Works Commissioner Joel Jacinto and Maria Benel Se-Liban, founding president of the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting.
Event organizers wish to thank all those who attended to help launch this year’s immersion program, especially rising Los Angeles Fil-Am tastemakers Yana Gilbuena (Salo Series), AC Boral (Rice & Shine), Lem Balagot (LA Rose Cafe) and Kristine dela Cruz (Creme Caramel) for providing enjoyable treats.