The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) successfully implemented its second Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) leg in partnership with the Philippine Australian Sports and Culture (PASC) Inc.

The PASC’s Hello Philippines Youth Tour 2023 was put into motion to serve as an avenue for Filipino-Australian youth to gain a better and deeper understanding, and appreciation of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, while promoting the local tourism industry.

Slated for two weeks, a part of the Hello Philippines Tour was organized by the CFO; the Commission was given the opportunity to secure 2 days of the entire trip to conduct extensive itinerary visits to popular landmarks, museums, and institutions in the Metro.

Facilitated by the CFO’s YouLeaD Secretariat, the YLD-PASC participants were able to visit the National Museum of Anthropology; the National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus; the Malacañang Museum, and the Bahay Ugnayan featuring PBBM’s Road to Malacañang; the Teus Mansion—otherwise known as the Presidential Museum which showcases the history and legacies of the Philippine Presidents. The participants were also able to visit the newly-established Manila Clock Tower Museum, located inside the Manila City Hall.

Basic Conversational Filipino Workshop by KWF

KWF’s Chief Language Researcher, Mr. Jomar Canega introduced the Filipino language, and its history to the YLD-PASC participants. Common Filipino phrases, counting numbers, greetings, colors, and body parts, among others were highlighted in the workshop.

CFO Courtesy Call

To conclude the activities facilitated by the YLD Secretariat, the participants were met by CFO Secretary Romulo “Leo” V. Arugay at the Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant in Intramuros, Manila. Sec. Leo expressed his gratitude for the group’s initiative in boosting the country’s tourism industry, and for being aware of their heritage as Filipinos even if they are already residing overseas. The secretary subsequently mentioned that he is looking forward to more collaboration with future Filipino-Australian participants.