2026 FYLPRO Immersion Program FAQs
Who are FYLPRO’s partners and collaborators for the Immersion Program?
The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is an independent, non-partisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. The Immersion Program is organized and led by FYLPRO in partnership with a range of institutions that support diaspora engagement, leadership development, and cultural exchange.
Program partners and collaborators have included the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Ayala Foundation, Philippine Embassies and Consulates General in the United States and Canada, and the U.S. and Canada Embassies in Manila.
FYLPRO does not endorse political parties or candidates in the United States, Canada, or the Philippines. All FYLPRO programs and activities are developed independently and are centered on leadership development, cultural connection, and strengthening ties between the Philippines and the global Filipino diaspora.
Is there a cost to participate in the immersion program should I get selected as a delegate?
The FYLPRO Immersion Program has no cost to the selected delegate with respect to transportation between a major international airport in North America and the Philippines as well as lodging and meals and transportation within the Philippines during the Immersion Program.
What safety measures does FYLPRO take during the Immersion Program?
The safety and well-being of delegates is a top priority for FYLPRO throughout the Immersion Program. FYLPRO works closely with local partners, venues, and on-the-ground coordinators to ensure that activities and program sites are carefully planned and vetted in advance.
From arrival to departure, delegates travel through organized transportation and are accompanied by FYLPRO representatives and local support teams throughout the program. FYLPRO also remains in communication with relevant local contacts and authorities as needed and takes appropriate precautions to support a safe and positive experience for all participants.
What can I expect to gain / take away from the program?
The Immersion Program is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and connect with leaders both in the Philippines and those from the U.S. and Canada. The week-long program offers a perspective that cannot be replicated virtually. Alumni of the program have gone on to collaborate with other delegates on their legacy projects, launch startups, and lead initiatives that have left a big impact on the Filipino community both domestically and abroad.
What commitments are expected from me during the program?
Delegates are expected to fully participate in and be present throughout the duration of the Immersion Program. While the schedule is intentionally robust and fast-paced, the experience is designed to foster meaningful engagement, relationship-building, and deeper connection to the Philippines and the global Filipino community.
Delegates are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully with fellow delegates, program partners, hosts, and community members throughout the program and to adhere to the code of conduct established by FYLPRO’s Board of Directors.
Following the Immersion Program, delegates transition into the FYLPRO alumni network and are onboarded into opportunities for continued engagement, leadership development, mentorship, FYLPRO board committee participation, and community involvement within the organization.
Is the Immersion Program limited to Metro Manila?
No. Since 2023, FYLPRO has intentionally incorporated provincial experiences as part of the Immersion Program to provide delegates with broader exposure to the Philippines beyond Metro Manila. Past destinations have included Cebu and Iloilo, and FYLPRO aims to continue incorporating provincial components into future immersion experiences whenever possible.
What are the travel and accommodation arrangements for delegates?
FYLPRO coordinates travel and accommodation arrangements for delegates participating in the Immersion Program. In recent years, delegates have stayed in hotel accommodations located in the Makati area, with transportation and program-related logistics organized throughout the duration of the immersion.
International flights for selected delegates are also covered through the program and have previously included airline partners such as Philippine Airlines, United Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and EVA Air.
Do I have to be fluent in Tagalog / Filipino?
No.
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Application
How long does the application process take?
We recommend starting your application early in order for you to adequately prepare thoughtful and well-articulated submissions, but also allow your references ample time to complete a reference questionnaire. The platform we use, AwardSpring, will automatically save your application in progress but we also recommend that you draft your responses in a separate document and transfer them over to the official application form once you are ready for the final submission of your materials.
How do I apply? Is there an application cost?
To apply, complete the application form at fylpro.org/immersion-application and submit a $25 processing fee.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (UTC -7). The deadline for your two references to complete the reference questionnaire is Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (UTC -7). Applications without two completed reference questionnaires will not be considered. Furthermore, the selection committee will not read any letters of recommendation submitted outside the responses in the reference questionnaires.
Whom should I choose as a reference?
Ideally, someone who knows you well in a professional, academic, and/or personal capacity. The reference may not be someone who has a familial relationship with you, whether by blood or by law. We prefer references who know you well, rather than references who might be a prominent or public figure that do not know you well. It does not matter whether the reference has any connection to FYLPRO.