Young Fil-Ams join immersion
program in the Philippines
By INQ7.net

MOST of them were born and raised in the United States but remain Filipinos at heart. Seven young and talented Filipino-Americans were chosen by the Ayala Foundation USA, LBC Foundation and Chevron Corporation to participate in a two-month immersion program in the Philippines under the Filipino-American Youth Leaders Fellowship Program (FAYLFP).

From June to August 2006, the seven fellows will engage in various activities that will hopefully create among them a better appreciation of their Filipino heritage and get involved in the country's social development efforts. Filled with idealistic enthusiasm, the Fil-Ams will spend their summer with selected Philippine-based non-profit organizations to share their skills, talents and knowledge to help the underprivileged sectors of the society.

The seven fellows who will participate in this year's fellowship are MAE BUNAGAN of Cambridge, Massachusetts; MARY ROSE GO of Alhambra, California; JOSE GABRIEL TUNGOL of Presque Isle, Maine; VERONICA LIMCACO of San Francisco, California; CHRISTIE VERDADERO of Renton, Washington; ELIZABETH GOINGS of Cerritos, California and KATRINA MAE IMPELIDO of Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

The host organizations are Ayala Foundation, Inc., Children's Hour Philippines, Haribon Foundation, and the Sisters Ministers of the Sick of St. Camillus or the Camillian Sisters.

Started in 2004, the FAYLFP selects 2nd and 3rd generation Filipino-Americans based on their strong academic background, proven leadership skills and willingness to visit and do community work in the Philippines. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will not only gain valuable insights about their homeland, but are also encouraged to continue to be part of the program by sharing the knowledge among their fellow Fil-Ams in the United States.