SAN FRANCISCO — The search for the fifth batch of delegates for the Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro) has been extended.
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.
Launched in 2012, FYLPro is a project conceptualized by former Philippine Ambassador to the United Sates Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., in partnership with the Ayala Foundation, 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.
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 set up an organization that is focused on initiatives geared towards 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 brainchild of FYLPro Alumni.
This year’s FYLPro will be held on November 24 to December 2, 2016. All Filipino Americans who meet the following criteria are highly encouraged to join:
- 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 (arriving in Manila by Wednesday, November 23, 2016 and departing no earlier than Friday, December 2, 2016);
- Have potential or demonstrated leadership skills within their school, community, workplace or other areas of involvement; and
- Have potential or demonstrated involvement in the Filipino American community, or in issues and/or activities that align with the interests of the Filipino American community or the Philippines.
The online application and list of required documentation may be found at fylpro.org/apply. The deadline for submission is on August 1, 2016, midnight of Hawaii Standard Time. For more information, check the website fylpro.org.