UPAASF Successfully Holds First Batch of 13th Filipino Cultural Immersion Summer Camp at South San Francisco Campus
UPAASF summer campers performing tinikling during the graduation ceremony (San Francisco PCG photo)
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco joined the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco (UPAASF) in celebrating the graduation ceremony of twenty-one (21) participants of the 13th UPAASF Filipino Cultural Immersion Camp on 10 July 2026 at El Camino High School in South San Francisco, California.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes warmly congratulated the participants and commended their active participation and enthusiasm throughout the five-day summer camp. She also conveyed that the Consulate remains their and their families’ “home away from home” as they continue to learn more about the Philippines and strengthen their connection to their heritage. Deputy Consul General Cortes likewise expressed her appreciation to UPAASF for its meaningful initiative of offering cultural immersion camps that help reconnect young Filipino Americans with their roots. She also recognized the organization’s efforts in expanding the program to two (2) camp sessions this year, allowing more participants to experience and gain a deeper understanding of Philippine culture, traditions, and values. She further acknowledged the parents for their continued support and for encouraging their children as they embark on a journey of learning more about and embracing their Filipino identity.
Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes asks students what activities they enjoyed the most during their visit to the Consulate (San Francisco PCG photo)
Keynote speaker Councilmember Buenaflor Nicolas of South San Francisco District 3 congratulated the camper graduates and shared that, through the activities and lessons they gained from the summer camp, they were able to unlock their “Fil-Am superhero identity”—one rooted in Philippine culture and shaped by values of strength, resilience, and perseverance. She encouraged the students to embrace this identity and use it as inspiration to contribute positively and help make the world a better place.
Councilmember Juslyn Manalo of Daly City, representing the campers’ parents, extended her appreciation to UPAASF for its unwavering commitment to promoting Philippine culture through the summer camp. She also expressed her gratitude to fellow parents for providing their children with the opportunity to learn more about their heritage and strengthen their connection to their Filipino roots. In recognition of UPAASF’s efforts in advancing cultural education among the youth, she presented the organization with a Certificate of Commendation in support of the summer camp.
UPAASF President Letty Quizon commended the students for their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn throughout the camp and expressed her hope that they would develop a deeper appreciation of Philippine culture, traditions, and values. As part of the curriculum of the 13th UPAASF Filipino Cultural Immersion Camp, held from 6-10 July 2026, participants explored various aspects of Philippine heritage, including history, literature, culinary traditions, dance and music, martial arts, visual arts, weaving and crafts, among others.END
Participants of the 13th UPAASF Annual Cultural Immersion Summer Camp performing Filipino songs during the graduation ceremony (San Francisco PCG photo)
From L-R: Ms. Chato Calderon, UPAASF Chair, South San Francisco District 3 Councilmember Buenaflor Nicolas, Ms. Letty Quizon, President of UPAASF and co-founder of the summer camp (middle) Daly City Councilmember Juslyn Manalo (4th from the left) with Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes after the graduation ceremony (San Francisco PCG photo)
UPAASF Officials award certificates to successful summer campers together with Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes (2nd from the left) and South San Francisco Councilmember Buenaflor Nicolas (3rd from left) during the graduation ceremony (San Francisco PCG photo)