Consul General Senen T. Mangalile hosted a luncheon for members of the Filipino-American Press Club during the quarterly Media Hour, where he announced a series of upcoming events for June and July. The luncheon was attended by key figures including Tourism Attaché Francisco M. Lardizabal, Vice Consul Cathe Ryne Denice S. Aguilar, and Atty. Alejandra Clemente of Rajah Tours Philippines.
To commemorate Philippine Independence Day in June, the Consulate has organized several events. On June 4, Tuesday, a celebration took place in Albany in partnership with New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga.
ConGen Mangalile also announced that on June 12, iconic landmarks in New York and Philadelphia will be illuminated to mark Philippine Independence Day. On June 17, a flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green, in collaboration with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, will honor the economic contributions of Filipinos in New York City.
An economic diplomacy forum focused on Filipino leadership in artificial intelligence will be held on June 24, and the celebrations will culminate with the inaugural Pistahang Bayan at New Jersey City University on June 30.
In July, the Consulate will host the 25th edition of “Paaralan sa Konsulado,” an annual summer workshop for Filipino and Filipino-American children, held every Saturday at the Philippine Center.
Additionally, the 2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour will take place from July 21 to 30, featuring new destinations in Northern Mindanao, including Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, and Iligan. Registration for the tour is ongoing.
Atty. Alejandra “Dading” Clemente expressed enthusiasm for the new destinations featured in the VIP Tour, said, “We are excited to present these new destinations to our participants and provide them with an unforgettable experience with support from the local governments of the destinations.”
“I have personally visited the sites a few times and we are proud to bring this tour to Northern Mindanao for the first time,” Clemente added.
Tourism Attaché Francisco M. Lardizabal shared positive developments regarding Philippine tourism, including the U.S. State Department’s downgrading of travel advisories in four areas of Mindanao. “We are pleased to announce this significant development, which reflects the improved security situation in these beautiful destinations,” said Lardizabal. “The Department of Tourism (DOT) is committed to dispersing tourism arrivals and focusing on creative tourism development that will offer more experiential and innovative opportunities, especially for the younger generation.” n
