PRESS RELEASE NO. 48-2025
Consul General Arman R. Talbo (2nd from left, front) and Consulate personnel are welcomed by UH Indo-Pacific Languages and Literatures faculty led by Department Chair Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili (2nd from right, front) and Timpuyog Ilokano Organization members, led by Mr. Marlon Basilio (rightmost, back).
14 May 2025, Honolulu – Consul General Arman R. Talbo was warmly welcomed by the Timpuyog Ilokano Organization, led by incoming President Mr. Marlon Basilio, and the Department of Indo-Pacific Languages and Literatures (IPLL) faculty, led by Department Chair Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili, at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa last May 7th.
Joining the meeting were Vice Consul Leizel Caasi, Cultural Officer Mia Gaspar, Mr. Dean Domingo, Instructor and Program Coordinator of the Ilokano Program, and Timpuyog officers, Mr. Sean Ancheta and Mr. Scott Eugenio.
Timpuyog, which means "togetherness" in Ilokano, is a student-led organization composed of learners enrolled in courses focusing on the Ilokano language, Philippine culture, cinema, and translation and interpretation studies. The organization fosters a sense of community among students while equipping them with linguistic and cultural competencies critical to understanding the historical and contemporary significance of the Ilokano language and Philippine Studies. Through leadership development and collaborative activities, Timpuyog empowers students to cultivate skills essential for academic and professional success, while promoting the preservation and appreciation of Ilokano heritage.
CG Talbo offered the support of the Consulate in the various projects of IPLL and Timpuyog.
Mr. Marlon Basilio, the incoming President of Timpuyog, shared the group’s vibrant calendar of activities, which includes a "Piknik," Drama, Film, Song, and Speech Festival, an annual Student Recognition Banquet, and various community service initiatives. Consul General Talbo extended an invitation for Timpuyog to include a return visit to the Consulate as one of the organization’s upcoming activities. He also conveyed his interest in working with Timpuyog to develop a cultural activity that would greatly appeal to the youth.
(Left photo) Consul Talbo admiring the information boards of the Department of Indo-Pacific Languages and Literatures. (Right photo) Ms. Imelda Gasmen, UH Manoa Faculty member and an Instructor for the Filipino language, chats with Consul General Talbo about their curriculum.
During the meeting, participants also explored proposed collaborative initiatives between the Consulate, IPLL, and other Filipino organizations in Hawai‘i. Dr. Agcaoili’s proposed projects include specialized courses in interpretation, J-1 teacher upskilling programs, and community storytelling workshops. Consul General Talbo expressed his full support for these efforts, emphasizing their potential to help Filipino teachers enhance their professional skills and cultural adaptability, while also strengthening representation for Ilokano-speaking communities through access to qualified interpreters. (END)
