PRESS RELEASE
07 DECEMBER 2021
WDC-63-2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez virtually signs the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Filipino Young Leader’s Program (FYLPRO) President Louella Rose Cabalona, Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) President Ruel Maranan and Senior Director Joanna Duarte extending the tripartite partnership to 31 December 2025. The virtual ceremony was also witnessed by representatives of the Philippine Consulates General in the United States, and the Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of American Affairs.
Ambassador Romualdez emphasized the Philippine government’s support, through the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States, to FYLPRO’s vision of “a thriving future for the Filipino people built upon the strength of our Filipino identity, our global community, and our connections with the Philippines.” He also added that the Embassy is proud to see FYLPRO coming to its 10th year.
AFI President Maranan and Senior Director Duarte echoed these sentiments and shared their anticipation for FYLPRO’s future legacy projects and newfound independence.
The MOU signing coincides with the Embassy’s year-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of PH-US diplomatic relations and is part of the build up to FYLPRO’s 10th founding anniversary celebration in 2022. Embodying the theme of the 75th Anniversary #Thriving, FYLPRO continues to thrive and promote the deep Filipino-American people-to-people ties, especially in youth leadership and engagement, upon which the 75 years of PH-US diplomatic relations are strongly built upon.
Prior to the virtual signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding, Ambassador Romualdez received FYLPRO President Louella Rose Cabalona and her executive delegation at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. A productive discussion was had regarding the future of Filipino-American youth engagement and post COVID collaborations.
FYLPRO was originally initiated by the Philippine Embassy and the Ayala Foundation, Inc. It remains to be a network of high performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries. They continually expand the pipeline of Filipino young leaders in the diaspora. By connecting Filipino-Americans to the motherland, they foster collaborative multinational relationships that create innovations and support the socio-economic progress of the global Filipino community. ###
