PH Consulate Hosts the “1st International Educators Assembly”, in partnership with the Filipino International Educators Association in Northern California
A total of twenty-five (25) J1 Filipino educators participated during the 1st International Educators Assembly held on 23 May 2026 at the Sentro Rizal, Philippine Center (San Francisco PCG photo)
San Francisco, California – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco hosted the “1st International Educators Assembly” on Saturday, 23 May 2026, at the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Center. The educators assembly was organized in partnership with the International Educators Association in Northern California (NorCal).
In his welcome remarks, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon highlighted the remarkable contributions of Filipino educators who have crossed borders to share not only their expertise and professionalism, but also the values, compassion, resilience, and excellence that Filipinos are known for around the world. He also commended the launch during the event of the “Guro Chronicles”, an initiative created by and for the educators, which serves as a platform for research, innovation, lived experiences and advocacy of Filipino educators.
Educators Spotlight: Our Journey, Our Voices with Ms. Revitche Quijano (SPED teacher), Ms. Marissa Alcantara (Tagalog Language teacher), and Mr. Zaldy Alima (Science teacher) (San Francisco PCG photo)
J1 educators namely, Ms. Revitche Quijano, Ms. Marissa Alcantara, and Mr. Zaldy Alima, shared their respective journeys and achievements as educators, as well as their experiences on how they were able to adapt and cope with the challenges while living in the United States for the duration of the program. Finding purpose despite the struggles they faced particularly during the start of their program, these educators overcame the many challenges they faced, eventually excelling in their fields of specialization.
Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon conducts a Financial Education Session (San Francisco PCG photo)
As part of the Consulate’s goal to assist J1 participants to the US Teacher Exchange Program, Consul General Talisayon shared his knowledge during the Financial Education Session to prepare the J1 educators for the eventual reintegration into the Philippines upon completion of the program.
Participants during the assembly (San Francisco PCG photo)
Participants had the opportunity to ask about the Consulate’s services, raise concerns regarding immigration and community resources, documentation, family support, and crisis assistance, as well discuss professional and community initiatives.
The activity served as a platform for FIEA-NorCal to confer recognition to deserving J1 educators for their accomplishments and contributions toward advancing excellence, cultural diversity and inclusion in their various schools and school districts. The Consulate also awarded Certificates of Participation to the 25 educators who attended the Financial Education Session. The Consulate General reaffirms its commitment to advance the welfare of Filipino nationals under its jurisdiction, including that of J1 visa holders who are participating in the US Teacher Exchange Program.END
Participants of the 1st International Educators Assembly (San Francisco PCG photo)