Search still on for Fil-Am youth delegates to PH immersion

FYLPRO 2014 delegates with community members they visited. PHOTOS BY BEA QUERIDO

SAN FRANCISCO –The search for the fourth batch of delegates for the Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro) is still on, the Philippine Embassy in US announced.

FYLPro is a project conceptualized by Philippine Ambassador to the United Sates Jose L. Cuisia, Jr as a way to reach out to the youth, tap their talents and skills and hone their potential as future leaders, movers and shakers of the Filipino American community.

FYLPro is an immersion program held in Manila, where delegates are given the opportunity to meet and dialogue with high officials and policymakers in the Philippine government, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and cultural experts, as well as innovators in various fields.

It aims to magnify the voice of the Fil-Am youth, increase their appreciation for Philippine culture, customs and values and develop their understanding and empathy towards the Filipino community both in the Philippines and in the United States.

First launched in 2012, the program has produced a group of dynamic and versatile Filipino Americans who now see the Philippines as more than a vacation destination, but as a place where they belong to and a nation that is part of their identity.

According to FYLPro Alumni, the program has enabled them to gain invaluable insights on Philippine and Filipino American issues, maintain a global network of innovative and influential individuals and realize a life-changing perspective.

Previous delegates have founded an organization focused promoting the social, educational, economic and political development of the Philippines and the Filipino communities in the US.

Projects such as Teach for the Philippines, Panalo Partnership with the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Next Day Better and dual citizenship promotion are the products of FYLPro Alumni.

This year’s FYLPro will be held on July 2-9, 2015. All Filipino Americans who meet the following criteria are highly encouraged to join:

• Must be between 25 – 40 years old by July 2, 2015;
• Ready and capable to travel to the Philippines by that date (i.e. have a valid passport for international travel), and to participate both in the Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour (July 6-9, 2015) and the FYLPro;
• 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/or activities that align with the interests and issues of the Filipino American community or the Philippines.

FYLPro 2012 delegates with President Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.

Application forms as well as the list of requirements may be downloaded from www.fylpro.com. Forms must be submitted to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General that has jurisdiction in your place of residence. For applicants from the Bay Area, Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington State, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and Alaska please submit your applications to [email protected] or [email protected]. The deadline for submission of applications is on March 30, 2015. Selections will be announced on April 30, 2015.

For more information on FYLPro, please check the website www.fylpro.com or email [email protected]. .