CFO partners with PCG Hong Kong and FSAHK for the YouLeaD Program

Officers from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) met with representatives of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong (PCG Hong Kong) and officials of the newly established Filipino Students Association in Hong Kong (FSAHK) to discuss the potential implementation of the Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) program.

Ms. Marita Del Rosario-Apattad, Chief of the Project Management Division, and Ms. Marie Linda Santos represented the Commission and introduced the CFO. Ms. Santos then presented the YouLeaD program, outlining its objectives and highlighting how it can help overseas Filipino youth connect with, understand, and develop a deeper appreciation for their Filipino heritage through the cultural immersion. She also went into detail about the proposed itinerary, walking them through the activities and what they can expect. After that, the representatives from PCG Hong Kong and FSAHK raised some questions, especially about the program fee, including how it will be paid, what inclusions and exclusions apply, coverage under the local insurance policy, and inquiries about soliciting sponsorship from other partners.

Ms. Kyla Fernandez, President of FSAHK, expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for implementing the YouLeaD program for Fil-Hongkongers. She noted that while there is a strong presence of the Filipino community in Hong Kong, its members desire a deeper understanding of their Filipino heritage. Additionally, PCG Hong Kong Vice Consul Allan Revote and his team expressed support for this initiative and pledged to continue coordinating efforts to ensure successful implementation.

This collaboration between the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, and the Filipino Student Association in Hong Kong through the YouLeaD program underscores the mission of the Commission to continue to tap overseas Filipinos to reconnect with the Philippines. Through cultural immersion, YouLeaD will help Fil-Hongkonger youth reconnect with their Filipino heritage through education and community engagement.