Leeward Community College received a cultural box from the Philippine Consulate General’s Office in Honolulu, recognizing the college’s efforts to support Filipino culture through both academics and student life.
The Cultural Box Turnover Ceremony, held April 8 at the consulate, marked the official handoff of the materials. The collection includes Philippine flags, maps, posters, traditional textiles, dictionaries and selected writings by José Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and writer of the late 19th century. The materials will be used in classes, student activities and cultural events.
Leeward CC is one of the few institutions in the state that offers both a Filipino Studies Academic Subject Certificate and an active Filipino student organization, Kailian. Both are open to students and community members interested in learning more about Filipino culture.
Jeff Acido, who teaches in the Filipino studies program, accepted the box along with his students and members of Kailian. Students attending the ceremony had the chance to meet Philippine Consulate General Arman Talbo and Congressman Angelo Marcos Barba. Their presence highlighted the ongoing connection between local schools and 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈’蝉 Filipino community.
New resources deepen community ties and cultural pride
“The cultural box is a gift of the Philippine Consulate and the Filipino community to the Filipino-American students of Leeward Community College and other schools and universities in 麻豆传媒,” Talbo shared. “We should invest in programs like this that empower young Filipinos to take pride in their heritage.”
He added, “Our message to our Filipino students is clear: You are not alone—you have a community behind you, ready to support you. The Philippine Consulate is your partner.”
For Leeward CC, the recognition reflects years of work to build a strong Filipino studies program and create opportunities for students to engage with culture in meaningful ways.
The new resources are expected to support both classroom learning and student-led efforts, giving more students the chance to explore Filipino history and identity while strengthening ties between the college and the broader community.
Learn more about the or contact Acido at (808) 455-0529, or acido@hawaii.edu.