Is this a program organized/supported by the Marcos Administration?
This program is a partnership between the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ayala Foundation and the Filipino Young Leaders Program, a 501C3 non-profit organization based in the United States. As a non-profit, FYLPRO’s activities, partnerships and collaborations are non-partisan and are wholly organized independently. As such, this program does not endorse any political party/candidate both in the United States and in the Philippines. The Immersion program and its related activities are organized and supported by FYLPRO in partnership with the Ayala Foundation. The partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs is non-partisan and they assume no costs in these activities.
How much does the immersion cost? Is financial aid available?
Immersion program has no cost to the selected delegate. Transportation and housing costs are covered by FYLPRO, the Ayala Foundation and selected partners and sponsors. The possible out of pocket costs are dependent on current sponsorships.
What safety measures is FYLPRO taking during our time in the Philippines?
FYLPRO and Ayala work closely with each site and event selected as part of its official program to ensure each delegate’s safety is a top priority. We are in contact with local authorities and take every precaution to ensure that everyone’s safety is accounted for from the time delegates land in the Philippines to the time they leave. Delegates travel by private, secured transportation to each site with FYLPRO and Ayala representatives present at all times. Business and government day activities are selected in safe and secured areas and spaces.
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. 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?
We expect delegates to be fully present during the entirety of the program. We understand it will be jam-packed but expect delegates to be open and respectful to fellow delegates and colleagues they will meet during the program. We expect delegates to adhere to a code of conduct set by the board of directors and anticipate delegates remaining involved with FYLPRO in some way after returning from the immersion trip.
Is the immersion limited to Manila?
In 2022, the immersion program mirrored past trips which took place mostly in Manila’s Makati business district and a community excursion to a nearby city or province. We are in discussions of expanding locations outside Luzon in future immersion programs.
What are the living and travel arrangements?
The Ayala Foundation will arrange housing. In recent years, delegates have stayed at a hotel located in the Makati area. Flights will be covered as well and previously have been through airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cathay 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 to not only put together your application materials but also request your recommendation letters. The application system we use, paperform, will automatically save your application in progress but we recommend you draft your responses in a separate document and transfer them over to the application when ready to finish your application in one sitting. The deadline for application is April 14, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The deadline for your recommendation letters is April 21, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
How do I apply? Is there an application cost?
UPDATE April 14, 2023: APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 21, 2023, 11:59 p.m. Pacific
To apply, complete the application form at https://fylpro.org/immersion-application/. Applications must be submitted by April 21, 2023 11:59 p.m. Pacific. A processing fee of $20 applies to each application. To complete your application, you must have two references to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf no later than April 21, 2023. Applications without two letters of recommendation will not be considered.
Am I limited to two letters of recommendation?
No. You may upload more than two letters of recommendation. But all applications must be accompanied by at least two letters of recommendation for consideration.
Who should write my letter of recommendation?
Ideally, someone who knows you well in a professional, academic, and/or personal capacity should write your letter of recommendation. The recommendation writer may not be someone who has a familial relationship with you, whether by blood or by law. We prefer recommendation writers who know you well, rather than recommendation writers who might be a prominent or public figure that do not know you well. It does not matter whether the recommendation writer has any connection to FYLPRO.
What content should my letters of recommendation include?
Letters of recommendation should ideally speak to one or more of the following: your academic and professional accomplishments; involvement in the Philippines, the Filipino diaspora, and/or Filipino American community; and leadership experience and potential to contribute to FYLPRO and/or Filipino communities after the immersion program.