Four young Filipino-Australians are starting 2026 with a deeper journey into their heritage, taking part in an 11-day immersion program in the Philippines led by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).
The delegates are participants in the 2026 Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) program, which runs from January 3 to January 13. The initiative is designed for second-generation Filipinos born or raised overseas, with the aim of strengthening their connection to the Philippines and encouraging long-term engagement with the country.
According to the CFO, the program supports its mandate to link Filipinos abroad with the Philippines across political, economic and cultural areas. By involving young people early, the commission hopes members of the diaspora will continue to see themselves as active partners in the country’s development.
“The YouLeaD program is not merely a tour; it is a strategic effort to build a bridge between the Motherland and its children overseas,” the commission said. Participants are encouraged to act as ambassadors of goodwill, support local industries, and stay connected to Filipino history and values.
First days back home
The immersion began with the delegates’ arrival in Manila, where they were introduced to everyday Filipino life through visits to shopping centres and shared meals featuring local food. This opening stage focused on culture, allowing the youth to observe how tradition and modern living coexist in today’s Philippines.
On the second day, the group travelled to the municipalities of Real and Infanta in Quezon province. This part of the program, organised in partnership with the Haribon Foundation, highlighted rural livelihoods and environmental protection.
In Real, the delegates met members of the Dinagat tribe and the Barangay Tanauan Farmers Association (BATAFA). Guided by Haribon’s Nova Regalario, they joined hands-on activities at the Real Forest Park Arboretum, repotting more than 120 propagules of endemic tree species and planting 14 trees.
The visit gave the participants a closer look at the challenges and resilience of farmers and indigenous communities. Later, they joined the Alitas Farmers and Fisherfolk Association Inc. (AFFA) to learn about traditional rice farming. The group observed rice drying and milling operations and rode a kuliglig, or hand tractor, through the paddies.
The day ended with a trek to a mangrove nursery, where the delegates repotted 150 mangrove propagules. The CFO said these activities are meant to build civic awareness and encourage young Filipinos overseas to take an interest in environmental and social issues affecting the country.
A taste of heritage
Food also played an important role in the immersion. The delegates sampled regional dishes such as pancit habhab, sinantolan made from santol fruit and shrimp, and suman Infanta. The CFO noted that food is often one of the strongest links connecting Filipinos abroad to their family roots and cultural memory.
As the program continues, participants will take part in Filipino language workshops, media engagements and guided tours of the National Museum of the Philippines. By the end of the 11-day immersion, the CFO hopes the four Filipino-Australian delegates will return home with a deeper understanding of their heritage and a stronger connection between Australia and the Philippines.
Who’s behind the program
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas was established under Batas Pambansa Blg. 79 and operates under the Office of the President. It focuses on the welfare and empowerment of Filipinos who have settled permanently abroad, including dual citizens and Filipino descendants.
The CFO is distinct from the Department of Migrant Workers, which primarily serves overseas Filipino workers and other temporary migrants. Its stakeholders include permanent migrants, spouses and partners of foreign nationals, exchange visitor program participants, au pairs bound for Europe, and Filipinos with overseas roots.
