PH Consulate, ABS-CBN Foundation Strengthen Collaboration
Clockwise: Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes, ABS-CBN Foundation International (AFI) Volunteer Global Ambassador Noriel Adricula, AFI Community Engagement Director Alma Magsombol, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon, and Vice Consul Glaiza Quarteros discuss areas of collaboration during the meeting
(San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco welcomed representatives from the ABS-CBN Foundation International during their courtesy call on 26 May 2026.
During the meeting, Community Engagement Director Alma Magsombol and Volunteer Global Ambassador Noriel Adricula discussed the Foundation’s programs and projects in the Philippines which include initiatives on child welfare, alternative learning and education, environmental protection, disaster relief through Sagip Kapamilya, community empowerment, and entrepreneurship, among others. The Foundation affirmed its commitment to continuously explore opportunities to strengthen its engagement with the Filipino American community. They also conveyed their readiness to further collaborate with the Consulate in information dissemination efforts and in the implementation of programs and activities for the Filipino diaspora, particularly young Filipino Americans.
Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon expressed his appreciation to ABS-CBN Foundation International for its continued partnership and valuable contributions to programs that promote Philippine culture among Filipino American youth, as well as for its commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit the Filipino diaspora.
During the first half of the year, the Consulate partnered with ABS-CBN Foundation International, through its Managing Director, Maria Elisa Cabahug, in conducting two cultural activities aimed at increasing awareness and enhancing the knowledge of the Filipino American youth about the Philippines. These initiatives sought to foster pride in and appreciation of Philippine culture, identity, and heritage. The activities included hosting students from South San Francisco High School during their educational visit to the Consulate on 25 March 2026, and a cultural dance workshop led by Mr. Eric Solano of Parangal for high school and middle school students from various schools in the Bay Area on 12 May 2026, in celebration of National Heritage Month.
The Consulate will continue collaborating with ABS-CBN Foundation International and other organizations that promote the education of Filipino American youth and foster a deeper appreciation of their Philippine heritage, culture, and identity.END