Fil-Am graduates honored in Philippine Graduation in New York

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino-American students living in the Northeastern United States participated in the region's inaugural Philippine Graduation last May 29, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Wednesday.

The first batch of graduates came from educational backgrounds that include sustainability management, structural engineering, journalism and media studies, African-American literature, molecular biology and biochemistry, DFA said.

The state agency said the graduation ceremonies honored a select number of Filipino and Filipino-American students who finished their degrees this year, while also contributing to the advancement of their communities in the tri-state area in New York.

Deputy Consul General Tess De Vega recognized the enthusiasm of the Filipino-American youth in connecting to their Filipino heritage and encouraged their proactive involvement in society. She also told the graduates to look back to their Filipino roots wherever their chosen fields lead them in the future.

For his part, Dr. A. Gabriel Sebastian, president of the Seton Hall University, acknowledged the uniqueness of the young Filipino-Americans- their mixed heritage but strong fidelity to their Filipino roots, backgrounds growing up in an immigrant family and ambition to be worthy leaders someday.

Speaking on behalf of Filipino graduates, Rachelle Ocampo, president of the Pilipino American Unity for Progress, said the community can rely on the graduates' willingness to reach out and wear their Filipino identity proud.