The Borough of Bergenfield in NJ announced that former Mayor Robert Rivas has died, the first Filipino American to serve as Bergenfield mayor from 1999-2003.

Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio paid tribute to Rivas “as a pioneer, a mentor, and a friend to so many.” He was 78, survived by spouse Marjorie and daughters Atty. Renee Rivas Go and Natalie Rivas.

The Right to Development is not a policy document, but a moral call to action, said Dr. Aziz Hafiz. “It compels us to shape global systems — in trade, finance, climate, and education — that empower rather than exclude.”

WFWPI’s Merly Barlaan said environmental laws must be people-centered.

“Immigrants are at the center of Racial Equity Plan—with goals that expand access to financial capital for underserved communities, protect access to healthcare regardless of immigration status, and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to safe and affordable housing” said Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Faiza Ali.

The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry's Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York (PTIC-New York), launched DAYO: Footprints and Dialogue — Filipino Perspectives in New York, a contemporary art and textile exhibition showcasing the Philippines' commitment to sharing its rich cultural heritage with global audiences, which will run from 8 to 17 April 2026.

Many people in Queens know lawyer Eve Cho Guillergan as quiet but with a ready smile and a steadfast reputation of helping immigrants. She is the familiar face who shows up in important community events lending consistent support.

On April 8, 2026, Guillergan was sworn in as Judge of the Civil Court Queens, five months after she won in the hard-fought November 2025 election as the first Korean Filipino American judge in New York.

The son of Filipinos in the diaspora, Raga is an endemic leader in Queens where he was raised by his solo parent mother, a Filipino nurse who made Woodside her second home.

He was the first Filipino and Asian American to land an elected post in New York State in 2022. As assembly member, he has sponsored bills that look to the wellbeing and safety of his constituents.

The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) concluded its 70th session with an outcome statement using a formal vote for the first time, instead of the traditional consensus, to uphold previously agreed conventions that protect the rights of women and girls worldwide.

The vote had effectively weighed against the US’s proposed eight amendments to the texts on gender identity, diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Thirty-seven member states voted in favor of the outcome statement and 1 against (the US), and 6 abstentions (including Nigeria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia).

Newly appointed Commissioner for New York City Mayor’s Office on Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Faiza Ali on Thursday emphasized safe access of New Yorkers to the city’s services.

“We want to make sure immigrant New Yorkers know their rights and can access city services safely. People should be able to go to school, seek healthcare or call for help without fear,” Ali said in a press conference.

Iloilo River in Western Visayas has gained prominence among the rare successful experiences of environmental rehabilitation. Lesson learned: keeping it clean takes up a whole ecosystem and society.

Philippine investigative journalist Rhick Lars Vladimer Albay produced this report under the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism’s Uncovering LGUs fellowship program. The same piece won in 2021 at the 9th Globe Media Excellence Award (GMEA) in the Philippines. We are republishing this article with permission by the author.

Women globally hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights of men, according to the United Nations Secretary-General’s report. Taking on this challenge, women from all over the globe converge for the HERDD Huddle on Women's Leadership and Access to Justice alongside the United Nations 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). Convened by HERDD, WOW, and WFWPI.

Sustainability experts say success and impact begin with a sound plan and a stead pool of funds.

Alongside the UN’s 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, three women’s organizations have bonded to create a leadership forum on March 11, 2026, at 1 Vanderbilt, NYC titled “Women's Leadership and Access to Justice.”

Organized by international groups HERDD, WFWPI, and WOW Coaching, the event is an epitome of leadership as a sisterhood and leadership strategy.

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations has announced its award of $1 million in Federal Community Project Funding to support the continued development of a Filipino American Community Center in New York City, marking a historic milestone for the Filipino American community.

It has previously secured $1.66 million federal HUD grant from U.S. Representative Grace Meng (6th Congressional District NY), reinforcing a long-term vision to establish a permanent home for Filipino American organizing, services, and cultural expression in New York City.

The Philippines once again marked stronger cross-border trade and investment ties with the launch of the 2026 U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines on February 11, 2026, at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York (PTIC-New York), in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACC), the event was titled: "Investing Forward: Philippine Economic Outlook and Launch of the U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines.”

New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga has the support of the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York (FADC-NY) in case he decides to run for senator representing NYS District 12.

In a press release, the FilAm organization said it “stands proudly behind Raga as he explores a run for New York State Senate District 12.”

Bluewater Maribago is one of the few resorts in Cebu which has been mindful of sustainability even at its inception. With over 35 years of existence as a favorite family resort, it is known for its amuma (care or nurture in Cebuano) for guests, staff, and the environment.

Unknown perhaps to many of its guests, Bluewater has ensured the farm-to-table freshness of its food offerings.

From universities and farmlands, a thousand biodiversity gardens and compost pits will flourish. The global organization Women's Federation for World Peace International, UN Office and its partners in Cebu and Bohol concluded a successful and promising Permaculture Education Summit and Immersion Tour in January 2026, showcasing the UN paradigm thinking global, acting local.

The new year 2026 is set to stage a much larger YAMAN NYC. Its remarkable success in 2025 with 25 pioneering trade and cultural exhibitors and artisans going home happy and earning more than they expected, had been enough for organizers Edwin Josue and Jerry Sibal of the nonprofit Friends of the Philippines Society USA Inc. to sustain its presence.

The Philippine American Friendship Community (PAFCOM) 35-year commemorative book is out this January 2026 after two years of work. Published by PAFCOM, book is a collaborative effort of journalists Cristina DC Pastor and Marivir Montebon, some PAFCOM officials, visual artist Ness Bantog, and former Board president Dr. Connie Uy as editor-in-chief.

There's a Dr. Jose P. Rizal Way in Woodside, Queens. It's spot on 58th Street and Woodside Ave, right across St. Sebastian Church.

December 12, 2025 was a historic day, albeit painfully cold as Filipinos in the diaspora gathered to unveil the street name, co-named with 58th Street. Thanks to the initiative and persistence of Knights of Rizal District 30 founder Flo Coronel, Assemblymember Steven Raga and Council Member Julie Won, this happened.