FYLPRO role in Fil-Am youth lauded
The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) made a stop in San Francisco for its annual Magiting Roadshow, with Consul General Neil Ferrer attending the information event and networking mixer at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall last May 28.
In his remarks, Consul General Ferrer noted the role of the FYLPRO’s signature immersion program to the Philippines in reconnecting young Filipino American leaders with their Filipino roots. “Your homeland, the Philippines, needs voices like yours: voices that are rooted in identity, grounded in purpose, and bold in vision. I am grateful to FYLPRO for carrying the torch of advocacy and service that this program so uniquely represents,” said Consul General Ferrer as he thanked FYLPRO, led by its new President Genevieve Jopanda.
Launched in 2012, FYLPRO provides an elite group of young Filipino American leaders and professionals with invaluable government, business and community insights, and access to distinguished network captains of government and industry in the Philippines. FYLPRO will hold its annual immersion in the Philippines later this year.
Tech diplomacy in times of uncertainty
SAN FRANCISCO — The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, represented by Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Tech Diplomacy in Times of Uncertainty” last May 13. The event, held at The Laundry in San Francisco, was organized by the Tech Diplomacy Network and brought together the consular corps in San Francisco, and leaders in technology, policy, and entrepreneurship.
The panel explored how diplomatic practice must evolve amid rapid technological innovation, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and emerging frameworks for global governance. The event was moderated by Christina Steinbrecher-Pfandt, CEO of the Tech Diplomacy Network, and featured the following distinguished speakers: Martin Rauchbauer, Co-Founder, Tech Diplomacy Network; Sara Ahmadian, Founder, Anar Ventures; Co-Founder, The Laundry; Graham Drake, Senior Policy Advisor, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, and Lutz Finger, Founder, R2Decide; Lecturer, Cornell University
Key themes included the evolution of tech diplomacy, the need for bridging diplomacy and entrepreneurship, AI risks and opportunities, and the need for adaptive, and innovation-friendly governance with respect to AI policies.
The Consulate remains committed to fostering meaningful engagements between the Philippines and international partners in the fields of technology, innovation, and diplomacy.
PH SF Consulate General attends Crossroads of the World International Trade summit
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer, accompanied by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, participated in the 2nd Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit held last May 7-8 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their attendance was upon the invitation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The invitation-only, two-day event was presented by World Trade Center Utah and Zions Bank, bringing together over 1,000 business and government leaders to explore the future of global commerce and Utah’s expanding role in international trade and investment.
The summit featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including former US Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice, Mike Pompeo, and Antony J. Blinken, as well as former Prime Ministers Theresa May (UK), Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand), and Kevin Rudd (Australia).
Consul General Ferrer and Consul Pangilinan-Daquipil joined fellow diplomats from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, and Ukraine in engaging discussions on market diversification, supply chain resilience, and global economic trends.
Their participation underscores the Philippines’ commitment to fostering stronger economic ties and people-to-people engagement with international partners, particularly in the western United States.
