AFTA Leads the Way in Filipino Heritage Education at 27th Paaralan sa Konsulado

New York City - A wave of excitement and cultural pride filled the Philippine Center in New York City as the 27th annual Paaralan sa Konsulado (School at the Consulate) officially kicked off on July 5th. Organized by the Philippine Consulate General in New York in partnership with the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America, Inc. (AFTA), this vibrant summer program brings together Filipino-American children for a month of immersive learning, fun, and community building.

Every Saturday throughout July, young Filipinos aged 4 to 15 gather to explore their heritage through engaging lessons in Filipino language, history, arts, and traditions. The event aims to nurture a sense of identity, pride, and confidence among the next generation of Filipino-Americans.

Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz warmly welcomed participants, highlighting the importance of heritage education. “Paaralan sa Konsulado is more than just a school—it’s a safe space where children can build confidence, connect with peers, and express themselves meaningfully,” he said. The program also offers special sessions for Filipino-American parents eager to brush up on their conversational Filipino and learn about Baybayin, the ancient Philippine script.

The first day of activities was lively and inspiring. Children participated in lessons about Filipino history, folk dance, visual arts, and traditional songs. A standout moment was a captivating talk by Andrew Drilon, an acclaimed Filipino-American comic book artist. He shared his journey from self-publishing in Manila to illustrating for DC Comics in New York, encouraging students to embrace storytelling and creativity as powerful tools for cultural expression.

“Your stories are unique and powerful,” Drilon told the eager audience. “Don’t be afraid to share your ideas with the world. Your voice matters, and the world needs your stories to grow and improve.”

As the program continues through July 26, students look forward to showcasing their talents in a lively cultural presentation—an event that celebrates their growth, creativity, and connection to their Filipino roots.

Now in its 27th year, Paaralan sa Konsulado remains a cornerstone of the Philippine Consulate’s efforts to foster cultural pride, community ties, and creative confidence among young Filipino-Americans. With each passing year, it continues to inspire a new generation to cherish their heritage and share their stories with pride.