PRESS RELEASE
WDC-41-2025
5 June 2025
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez encouraged the 2025 IMPACT! cohort to pursue positions in leadership and raise the profile of Filipino-Americans and Philippines-US relations during their courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy.
The IMPACT! program, a joint project of the Embassy and the US-Asia Institute (USAI), offers Filipino-American university students and young graduates the opportunity to immerse themselves in American government and politics through a 9-week professional development program. It aims to prepare participants for future leadership positions that could play a role in strengthening the U.S.-Philippines relationship.
The 2025 IMPACT! cohort, whose policy interests include immigration, social justice, diaspora engagement, include the following:
- Abigail Verino, University of California, Berkeley
- Aidan Panotes-Bengzon, Tufts University
- Angelica Garcia, University of Michigan
- Chloe Marie Juni, University of Southern California
- Daniela Salinas, George Washington University
- Kyle Vergara, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Marissa Duterte, Cornell University
- Tatiana Caballero, University of North Florida
During the call, Ambassador Romualdez also shared insight into the current state of Philippines-US relations and role of the Embassy in fostering and managing the bilateral relationship.
In addition to undertaking summer internships in Washington D.C.-based offices and organizations, the IMPACT! cohort will complete a civic engagement project as their final output.###
PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-162-2025
5 June 2025
