29 November 2013 – It was a day filled with school cheers, games and camaraderie as the second Homecoming sa Konsulado was held last November 09 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York.
About 20 universities, schools and institutions from the Philippines were represented at the gathering, and more than 120 graduates showed up on the day. 
Philippine Consul General in New York Mario De Leon welcomed the guests, and expressed his joy in seeing the community in a lively get-together honoring their alma maters. He underscored the theme “Balik samahan, balik Pinoy” and urged the attendees to maximize the networks they have already built to create meaningful projects and initiatives that benefit not only the Filipino-American community, but also our kababayans back home. He likewise suggested that the communities reach out and contribute in any way possible to the relief of the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.
New York University Dean of Science and University of the Philippines alumni Dr. Michael Purugganan delivered the keynote address at the event. He narrated his education pursuits from his BS Chemistry days in University of the Philippines Diliman, to his graduate degrees in Columbia University, University of Georgia and University of California in San Diego among other American institutions. Along the way, he realized that his Philippine education armed him with competence and credentials to earn the trust and respect of his peers, enough to have them bestow him his position in an esteemed university today. He imparted to the audience that a Philippine education is world class, and is a respectable foundation that can lead to a successful career, locally or internationally. 
A special Dual Citizenship Clinic was held for the applicants wanting to re-acquire their Filipino citizenship during the event. Nine individuals availed of the service and were sworn-in at the end of the program.
The attendees rounded up an impromptu fundraiser for the victims of typhoon Yolanda on the event and raised US$650, which will go to Handang Tumulong Foundation. END
