EMBASSY ENCOURAGES 2026 IMPACT! INTERN COHORT TO LEAD, CHAMPION FILIPINO-AMERICAN CAUSES DURING GRADUATION CEREMONY

PRESS RELEASE
WDC-48-2026

10 August 2026

Embassy Press and Information Section

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2026 IMPACT! program, jointly implemented by the Philippine Embassy and the US-Asia Institute (USAI), concluded with a graduation ceremony hosted by the Embassy, where the Filipino American cohort shared insights on political and civic engagement from their summer internship stints at the U.S. Congress.

In his welcome remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Felipe F. Cariño III, said that the IMPACT! is aimed at harnessing the potential of young Filipino Americans, an underutilized resource for positive change.

“To our cohort, as you return to your schools and hometowns, we hope that this experience has inspired you to take up space as Filipino Americans and serve as ambassadors for Philippines-U.S. relations, not only in your everyday lives, but in future positions of influence. We are excited to follow your post-IMPACT! journey, and no matter where life takes you, please know that this Embassy is yours as well, and you will always be welcome here,” CDA Cariño added.

Mr. Ben Wu, Vice Chairman of USAI, echoed the sentiment in congratulating the program graduates, adding, “You have risen to that challenge with curiosity, purpose, and passion. Your presence here matters, and your voices are needed. As you take the next steps in your journey, we hope you carry forward the spirit of IMPACT—one of service, leadership, and connection.

The graduating 2026 IMPACT! cohort is composed of the following outstanding young Filipino-Americans:

Margaret Jane Piatos, University of Virginia
Jasmine Lianalyn Rocha, Columbia University
Reece Roach, University of California, Berkeley
Spencer Smith, Yale University

The Embassy launched the IMPACT! Program with USAI in 2020 as a platform for deserving Filipino-American university students and young graduates to explore careers in politics and civic engagement. Participants are offered mentorship and professional networking opportunities through internships in Washington-based offices, with this year focusing on congressional placements.

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