While highly anticipating the 3rd game of the New York Knicks that evening on June 10, we enjoyed a fine dining experience with coconut-centered cuisine. It was tendered by the Philippine Trade and Industry in New York, through the leadership of Trade Commissioner Alma Argayoso at the Tradicionale Restaurant on Chelsea.

Filipino American Maria Torres Springer is among the honorees of the New Yorkers for Culture & Arts on its 5th Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, June 11, 2026, 6:00-9:00PM, at Mabou Mines on 150 First Avenue in New York City.

First Filipino Congolese American female cadet graduates from USMA West Point.

“We welcome the stranger, yes. But we must have a sound immigration system,” said the head of the church-based legal immigration assistance center who batted for empathy for people migrating to the US in search of supposedly better lives.

This study highlights US immigration needing reform, and recommends the practice of Transformative Journalism, by surfacing real stories from the ground, to bridge political divides.

A retired New York Times senior editor and freelance columnist described today’s media environment as “anti-intellectualism creeping in the guise of populism.”

With weakened standards, making truth harder to distinguish from opinion and misinformation.

“Audiences now believe what they want, reducing the value placed on rigorous reporting,” said one journalist.

Political polarization did not begin or end with journalists. Media organizations, driven by ideology and commercial interests, have widened polarization by reinforcing the public’s existing political and ideological beliefs.

The painful struggle over how the US talks about immigration is nearly as old as the nation itself, influencing not only politics but also the stories people read, hear, and believe.

This study found out that resentment and hate towards immigrants and confusion over immigration issues in the public sphere are caused by the lack of historical context, the use of hateful language, and being too focused on the political lens.

Council Member Julie Won (CD-26, Queens) introduced on March 14, 2026 a resolution before the New York City Council declaring June 12 as Philippine Independence Day in NYC. The resolution recognizes the historic significance of June 12, 1898, when General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence from more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, and honors the enduring legacy and contributions of Filipino New Yorkers to the city's civic, cultural, and economic life.

The creation of sustainable urban garden has begun at the Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT-U) in Cebu City, Philippines which is in partnership with a global women’s organization.

This was revealed by local sustainable agriculture expert Engr. Roberto Bajenting who is leading the trailblazing project of the CIT-U and the Women's Federation for World Peace International, UN Office.

The Filipino American Press Club of New York has elected Dave Llavanes Jr. as president and Don Tagala as vice president for 2026 and 2027. Also elected on May 9, 2026 were Lindy Rosales, as secretary, and Marilyn Abalos, treasurer.

Multi-stakeholder in approach and youth-led, Manila’s Move as One Coalition bested over 300 entries worldwide for the 2025-2026 Prize for Cities of the World Resources Institute Ross Center.

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.