
What We Do
The Filipino Young Global Leadership Program
2023 Pioneer Cohort

Monique Apostol

Ellyce Butuyan

Ava Julia Daquial

Karmel Dolumbal

Francheska Dumancas

Ines Feliciano

Mikhaela Gabiola

Amihan Garcia-Gonzales

Nara Acuña Guba

Marissa Halagao

Jaereyn Javier

Jill Lan

Kamille Lateo

Don Xavier Lugatiman

Maci Montenegro

Riley Pasicaran

Maddax Tsuchiya

Lucas Villaseñor

Jakob Zapanta

Lucas Zarraga
What the Program is About
What You Will Gain from the Program
Your Program Journey
Sense-Making
Sense-making is the process of finding meaning, taking stock of participants’ experiences as diasporic Filipinos in the U.S., and how connected or disconnected you are from your identity and history.
Critical Consciousness
The process of sense-making leads to a greater critical consciousness, or the ability to question assumptions and preconceived notions, as well as an openness to learning, unlearning, and growth.
Agency, Civic Engagement, and Global Citizenship
Transformation shifts from the internal to the external through the development of agency–the ability to and knowledge of how to use your voice, thought, and action–in the form of civic engagement and global citizenship.
Online Sessions
mid April to mid May on Saturdays
Four weekend online sessions, 90 minutes each, prepare participants for their in-person immersive experience and start building a strong community of support.

Session 1
identity exploration
Learn more about the program, your cohort and yourself through an interactive session of self-discovery and an introduction to the practice of journaling.

Session 2
Filipino history & Culture
Learn about the evolution of the Philippines from the pre-colonial period to its present as a vibrant democracy, and explore the islands’ geography, languages, culture, food, and diversity.

Session 3
Filipino Immigrant History
Learn how Filipinos have contributed to shaping the global ecosystems by exploring key events in the immigrant history across the world, and begin preparing for the immersive experience in the Philippines.

Session 4
Intercultural Competence
Learn “Filipino culture universals” in dance, song, language, and food, and reflect on the connection between your values, leadership ability and identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Philippine Immersive Experience

Participants will experience a transformative immersive experience that will consist of curated visits, exploratory conversations and personal and group reflections across the 3 main islands of the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that will:
- Expose them to important historical sites that have shaped and continue to shape the Philippines’ rich and diverse history,
- Engage with fellow young leaders who are serving in the trenches,
- Experience its pluralistic culture and traditions.
Apply Next Year
Are you a rising high school Sophomore, Junior, or Senior in the US of Filipino descent? Have you demonstrated leadership potential, and have a desire to actively engage in Filipino communities?
- 2024 Application Timeline: Apply by February 15
- Admissions decisions will be sent out by late March
- Info sessions will start in October 2023. Stay tuned! Please see the presentation from the info sessions last year for a glimpse of the pilot program. There will be some changes in locations and minor program details but these should provide you with the most basic information about the program

Knowledge Hub
We are working on more exciting projects to foster a deeper appreciation for our rich and diverse living heritage including a possible online library of resources related to Filipino global history and information celebrating Filipino excellence across the world.
What is Living Heritage?
INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE – or ‘living heritage’ – is inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants. It includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, and the knowledge and skills related to craftsmanship. It is continuously recreated as it is transmitted from generation to generation, and evolves in response to our environment.
Living heritage is important because it offers communities and individuals a sense of identity and continuity. It can promote social cohesion, respect for cultural diversity and human creativity, as well as help communities build resilient, peaceful and inclusive societies.
Heritage Network
To do our best work and to achieve greater impact in diasporic global communities, it is imperative for us to collaborate with other organizations that have a related mission to ours, to build a strong heritage network.