PRESS RELEASE
WDC-17-2022
27 May 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. – “Despite the challenges caused by COVID, we are pleased to have continued engagement with DC Public Schools, particularly with the 5th Graders of JC Nalle Elementary School, for this year’s Embassy Adoption Program. We appreciate and are inspired by the students’ excitement and interest as they discover more about the Philippines and our culture.”, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement.
The Embassy Adoption Program (EAP) is a partnership program of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and Washington Performing Arts that exposes the students to international perspectives and cross-cultural lessons through direct interactions with embassies and other global entities. It is usually composed of at least 3 class sessions and a capstone presentation to showcase what the students have learned through the program.
The EAP capstone presentation comes at an opportune time as the Embassy celebrates the Philippines’ National Heritage Month and the United States’ Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month.
For the school year 2021-2022, the Philippine Embassy has partnered with the 5th grade class of JC Nalle Elementary School led by Ms. Camisha Davis. As part of their virtual capstone presentation on 27 May 2022, the students performed Tinikling, the National Dance of the Philippines, and Arnis, Filipino Martial Arts. They also made a special artwork as a gift to the Embassy to show their appreciation and love for the Philippines.
Prior to the culminating program, the Philippine Embassy facilitated 3 virtual sessions with the class focusing on: 1) Introduction to the Philippines and Philippine Christmas traditions; 2) The Philippine Government and National Arts Month; and 3) Impacts of climate change in the Philippines. The students were given the chance to do a parol (Christmas lantern) artwork and to dance-along with the famous Tala dance craze in the Philippines.
The Philippine Embassy has been a consistent and active partner to the EAP and has pledged to participate once again for the next school year.###
