PH diplomats launch Spark*Connect*Empower movement in SF

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Romualdez addresses community leaders as Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr looks on during the inauguration of the SCE movement in San Francisco. CONTRIBUTED

SAN FRANCISCO — Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr.  led the recent formal grand launching of the consulate’s Spark*Connect*Empower (SCE) movement, at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center Building.

More than 100 guests attended from various Filipino community organizations, who also took the opportunity to meet the Ambassador who has traveled to San Francisco for the first time in his official capacity.

The SCE movement aims to bring together various Filipino American organizations and individuals among the second, third, and fourth generation Filipino Americans to promote “love of country,” connecting them in networking platforms, and “empowering them to organize various activities and programs that contribute to nation building.”

Community partners at SCE movement launching. CONTRIBUTED

Ambassador Romualdez, in his keynote speech, said, “this is the way to go,” referring to cultural diplomacy and encouraging other Foreign Service Posts to emulate this program of SF PCG.

Several flagship projects were also inaugurated. Earlier in the afternoon, the Spark447, which will provide Fil-Am start-up companies a co-working space on the 4^thfloor of the Center’s building, was officially opened. During the reception for the Ambassador, JR Calanoc, CEO of Panalo Solutions, presented the SCE website which went live during the grand launch. The SCE’s battle cry, the SCE theme song, composed and produced by Filipino artist and singer-song writer Dandin Ranillo, was also presented to the public.

Ribbon-cutting at Spark447, which will provide Fil-Am start-up companies a co-working space on the 4thfloor of the Center’s building. CONTRIBUTED

Several organizations, companies, and individuals, who share in the vision of the SCE have pledged their full support of the movement. Among them are PLDT, Philippine Airlines, The Filipino Channel, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), One World Institute, Mama Sita’s.

Organizations interested in becoming an SCE partner, email [email protected]for more information.