Phil Consulate in NY has new officials; cites upcoming events
By Marivir R. Montebon
New York - Philippine Consul General in New York Senen Mangalile formally introduced new officials of the PCGNY and Trade and Tourism attaches in the quarterly Media Hour with members of the Filipino American media on August 15, 2025.
Consul Anna Marie Mae Guerra takes charge of the Cultural Affairs and Public Diplomacy while Vice Consul Peter dela Fuente handles the Assistance to Nationals office. Social Security System has a new director in the person of Rigor Pantolinao.
Consul General Senen Mangalile with Trade commissioner Alma Argayoso and Consul Anna Marie Mae Guerra
Newly appointed Tourism attache Maria Jorda Apo and Consul Peter dela Fuente
Mangalile discussed wide-ranging topics at the media forum, including the sustained promotional program of Philippine textiles which began with the Habi (weave) exhibit and program at the Thomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania last year.
In partnership with the Trade attache, the program has already fielded two capstone delegations to the Philippines for exposure and research on local textile industries. Another batch of textile students is set to travel to the Philippines for an immersion program, said Mangalile.
Trade Commissioner Alma Argayoso said that the Philippine economy is doing well with a GDP that's projected to reach $1T in 2033. Argayoso, who replaced Commissioner Ben Uy, said that the Philippines is looking at the European and Asian markets with the newly imposed 19% tariffs on Philippine imports to the US.
She acknowledged that having zero tariffs on US goods entering the Philippines may hurt local producers but assured that only products that are less competitive are being allowed, such as pork meat.
Talks are made for exemption on semi- conductors, coconut, and electronics to the US for zero tariffs, said Argayoso, who opined that the Philippines’ strategic importance at the West Philippine Sea could make for a good leverage for successful negotiations.
A light moment with Consul General Mangalile after the Media Hour.
Newly appointed Tourism attache Maria Jorda Apo said that the department has now developed a strategy called twinning destinations with the Philippines and one country in Asia. "Tourism has become a major economic pillar with a rate of 70% repeat visitors."
The Philippines ranks 1st in southeast Asia for US tourists (now recovering from the 2019 record levels), followed by Thailand and Vietnam.
Both Apo and Argayoso noted that Trade and Tourism are heavily dependent on a robust agriculture as the backend of the local economy.
For the October Filipino History Month celebration, the PCGNY is organizing ‘Handog sa Hapag.’ an elevated fine dining experience by top Filipino chefs in New York. It is a precursor to a much bigger celebration of the 80th anniversary of US-Philippines diplomatic relations and the 250th anniversary of the US in 2026, said Mangalile.
The Homecoming sa Konsulado is another much anticipated event on the 1st Saturday of October which involves alumni associations in the East Coast. On December 4-12, 2025, the 37th Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado takes place, marking the celebration of Christmas. #
