Highlights from the DFW Filipino Leadership Summit

Filipino DFW community leaders unite for collaborative initiatives and upcoming events

By André Averion, Communications Manager

Published August 26th, 2024.

Sharing resources and establishing a community database, dozens of Filipino DFW community leaders came together Aug. 24 at the Cozby Library in Coppell, Texas, to announce upcoming events.

Keynote speaker Conrad Alagaban, the president of the Filipino Leaders Coalition of North Texas (FILCON) and Financial Chair of the Pilipino American Community Endeavor (PACE), emphasized the importance of collaborative grassroots initiatives, urging attendees to focus on communication outreach between organizations and intentional fundraising for community endeavors. 

“We were at 40,000 Filipino’s just a decade ago [in North Texas]. In 2020, that number was 80,000. Today, it’s probably closer to a 100,000 and that’s just in the DFW Metroplex,” Alagaban said. “We have to bring it together.”

Hosted by FILCON, 24 organizations were represented at the event to showcase their upcoming events and local impacts for efforts to plan collaborations and logistics with one another. These groups included local government, business leaders, cultural organizations, nurses, church groups, women empowerment organizations and other community nonprofits. 

The event also included, for the first time, Filipino student groups, with the University of North Texas and University of Texas at Dallas Filipino Student Associations coming to provide volunteers and collaborations with the community. 

“That was the largest gathering of young leaders we’ve ever had,” Alagaban said. “It connects that generational gap, and we’re hoping to guide them.

There were several special events of community interest announced at the summit. 

On Sept. 14 Hunger Free Philippines will be collaborating with Trinity Church Dallas for their annual fundraiser to raise awareness and basic needs for impoverished communities by providing cultural performance and religious passions. 

On Sept. 28 the Dallas Filipinas On The Rise Summit will take place at Vauhx Creative in Dallas, celebrating Filipina excellence in various fields with vendors and food for those in attendance. Early sale tickets end Sept. 5. 

On Oct. 12 the Pilipino American Community Endeavor will be hosting the 3rd year of the Lone Star Palangke, the largest Filipino market festival in North Texas, at Asia Time Square in Grand Prairie. Vendors are still needed, with early sign up ending Sept. 1. 

On Nov. 9 the Hiligaynon Community will host the Philippine Cultural Festival Gala at DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Richardson, TX, raising money for supporting underprivileged communities in the Philippines and developing local network opportunities. 

On Dec. 21. Operation Care International, Inc., will be hosting the 21st year of Christmas Gift for the homeless & impoverished at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, making for one of the largest Christmas charity events in Texas.

The summit not only highlighted the strength of the Filipino community in North Texas but also laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and growth in the region. With a diverse range of organizations and the inclusion of younger generations, the event showcased the potential for sustained impact through collective efforts. As the community continues to grow, these initiatives will play a crucial role in uniting and empowering Filipinos across the DFW Metroplex.

Below is a full list of organizations in order of presentation. 

• FILCON

• Asian American Insurance & Financial Professional Association

• Mayor’s Asian Advisory Council of Arlington

• All Nations Alliance Church

• Central Philippine University North Texas Alumni Association 

• Edd M Philippine Dance Co

• BIBAK Cultural Performers

• Filipina On The Rise

• FSA UNT

• Genuine Faith Community Church

• Hiligaynon Community

• Helping Hands Global Foundation

• Philippine Republic Day Celebration Inc

• North Texas Asian American Cultural Association

• FSA UTD

• Operation Care International

• Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce Region 1 in Dallas/Fort Worth

• PACC TX Foundation

• Pilipino American Community Endeavor (PACE)

• PAMANA

• The Philippine Nurses Association - North Texas Chapter

• Senior Santo Nino De Tacloban in North Texas

• Santacruzan Charity Ball

• Hunger Free Philippines

• Wild Hub Inc