Embassy’s Chargé d’Affairés, Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto delivers his opening remarks at the FYLPRO DC Info session held at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on 26 July 2016.
WASHINGTON, DC – FYLPRO alums Melissa Medina and RJ Diokno led the information session on the 5th FYLPRO Immersion Program on 26 July 2016 at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy.
Every year since its establishment in 2012 by former Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., the Filipino-American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPRO) brought 10 high-performing, next generation Filipino-Americans, known as FYLPRO delegates, on an all-expense paid immersion trip to the Philippines. The immersion program aims to equip and inspire the delegates to promote advocacies geared towards progress in the Philippines and engagement with the multi-faceted Filipino-American community in the United States.
FYLPRO alums RJ Diokno and Melissa Medina explained the immersion program, answered questions on the application process, and shared their insights on the overall FYLPRO experience.
In his opening remarks, the Embassy’s Chargé d’Affairés (CDA), Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto said, “The FYLPRO immersion experience endeavors to transform delegates in such a way that they can become effective leaders in their respective communities and give back to the Philippines at the same time.”
The information session provided the audience with an overview of the program and insights into the application process, which requires applicants to identify at least three Legacy projects that focus on the Philippines and Filipino communities abroad that foster further professional/leadership development such as social enterprises, philanthropic causes, or civic engagement initiatives. To date, at least 20 legacy projects are either active or completed by FYLPRO delegates.
Young Filipino-Americans who attended the FYLPRO DC Info session, posed for a group photo with the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Officer, Ms. Darell Artates (1st row, 3rd from left) and FYLPRO alums Melissa Medina (1st row, 4th from left) and RJ Diokno (1st row, 5th from left) at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on 26 July 2016.
“As far as the application process goes, my advice would be to try to have a very clear idea of what your story is, and that is probably going to tie into what your ideas are for your three legacy projects. I think that helps a lot when the committee comes to review your application, if you can tell a clear story and connect that to your legacy projects,” said RJ Diokno (FYLPRO ‘14).
Melissa Medina (FYLPRO ‘13) added, “One of the reasons why this program exists is to help serve as a catalyst for your ideas and what you want to do. You may have many different interests but we want to see some area of focus for your legacy projects.”
“Now on its fifth year, FYLPRO has produced forty (40) high energy and dedicated individuals who are making great strides in their chosen fields. We are fortunate to have Melissa and RJ with us tonight to share their insights and answer your questions regarding the application process. I hope that after this session, you would seriously consider applying for the program and spread the word about FYLPRO,” CDA Chuasoto concluded.
In partnership with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) and the FYLPRO alumni association, the 5th FYLPRO hopes to continue to attract more high-performing, young Filipino-American leaders who will be among the movers and shakers in the Filipino-American community. Much of the participants’ expenses, including airfare, accommodations, local transportation, and meals will be shouldered by program sponsors.
The 5th FYLPRO immersion program will be held from 24 November to 02 December 2016 in the Philippines. Interested parties may submit their applications until 01 August 2016, midnight of Hawaii Standard Time. For more details, please visit www.fylpro.org.