26 February 2013 – To give concrete meaning to the spirit of people empowerment at the heart of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Philippine Consulate General in New York
organized the first-ever Leadership and Management Seminar for Filipino-American Leaders in New York and New Jersey on February 23.
Dubbed “Empowerment for the Future: A Leadership & Management Seminar for the Filipino-American Community,” the activity brought together heads of Filipino-American community organizations for a seminar on topics designed to further empower the community.
The modules aim to provide community leaders with tools and information to enable them to develop more vibrant organizations; deal with new challenges; ensure adherence to local laws; have basic information about overall Philippine economic indicators as well as basic protocol; share tips on best practices in events planning; and encourage a deeper engagement of the emerging generation of Filipino-Americans.
Among the modules offered were an Overview of Philippine Conditions presented by Special Trade Representative Michelle Sanchez; Leadership & Change Management by Dr. Jean Lobell; Managing Legal Aspects of Organizations by Atty. Dean Suba, Esq; Financial Planning by Mr. Efren Bacani; Events Planning by Ms. Imelda Jones of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel; and Basic Protocol by Deputy Consul General Theresa de Vega & Mr. Joselito Mecua.
There was likewise a panel discussion on “Engaging the Emerging Generation of Filipino-Americans and Non-Organization Members” with Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) Board Chair Atty. Robert Rivas and Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) President Fe Martinez.
They were joined by emerging generation members: UniPro President Rachelle Ocampo, Gawad Kalinga’s Harold Clavite, Maharajah USA Inc. Board Member Anthony Yabut and Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FAYLP) delegate Steven Raga who moderated the discussion.
The event was opened by Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. who noted that the Consulate General has always been guided by the belief that an informed community is an empowered community. It is this philosophy that informs the Consulate’s efforts to provide platforms and venues to further empower the community. He said that this was an effort to help the overseas community contribute to the realization of the EDSA Anniversary ideal of communities finding a voice and maximizing their potential.
The event’s inspirational speaker, Jersey City Councilman Rolando Lavarro noted that the Filipino-American community must continue to mature and to seize the momentum to gain a stronger voice in mainstream America. He likewise spoke about the challenges faced by Filipino-Americans elected into positions of leadership.
The overall feedback on the seminar was positive with many advocating for a second series of seminars.
The Consulate General will hold similar Leadership Seminars in Philadephia, Boston, and Connecticut for the Filipino community organizations in those areas.
The commemoration of the 27th EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary continues this week with week-long screenings of the documentary films “Ninoy: The Heart and Soul” and “Puso at Diwa ni Ninoy” at the Lobby-Gallery of the Philippine Center in New York. END