DC networking mixer explains FYLPRO immersion program

Young professionals in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area attend the FYLPRO info session and networking mixer held at the Philippine Embassy. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Young Filipino American professionals gathered to get more information about the FYLPRO immersion program in the Philippines at networking mixer at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex on July 10. Applications are now being accepted by the program.

“The purpose of this program is to build a broad and dynamic network of young, next generation Filipino American leaders” who can do positive things both for the Philippines and US-Philippines relations, explained Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer Darell Artates.

Amanda Bantug, one of the ten delegates from the 2018 FYLPRO batch who is from Washington, DC, explained FYLPRO’s history and establishment, the immersion program, her batch’s experiences, and legacy projects.

“What’s Your Filipino Story?” was how FYLPRO 2018 alum Amanda Bantug started her presentation during the FYLPRO info session and networking mixer at the Philippine Embassy on July 10. CONTRIBUTED

Bantug stressed the importance of extracurricular activities and being involved in the Filipino American community as elements of a “strong application.” “It’s a lot of community involvement. They want to see, they want to know that you have been involved in the community,” she said.

Artates and Bantug fielded various questions from the audience including the qualifications of a FYLPRO delegate, more information about legacy projects, presence of young leaders and young professionals groups in the Philippines, future plans to expand the FYLPRO network, FYLPRO’s other business partners, and personal takeaways from the immersion program.

FYLPRO and the Philippine Embassy and Philippine Consulates in the United States are now accepting applications for the 2019 Immersion Program. The deadline for submission is on 1 September 2019 at 11:59 PM EST. Complete details of the application process is available at www.fylpro.org.

Launched in 2012, FYLPRO is a joint initiative of the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States, the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), and the FYLPRO non-profit organization.

Each year, the program selects 10 outstanding young professionals within the Filipino communities across the United States to take part in a weeklong immersion program in the Philippines.

The ten delegates will have the chance to meet and interact with Philippine Government officials and various leaders in the fields of business, arts and culture, and civil society. The delegates will likewise have the opportunity to connect with their Filipino heritage through community service, cultural tours, and other civic activities.

Ms. Amanda Bantug and Ms. Darell Artates both address questions from the audience during the FYLPRO info session Q&A.