NEW YORK – The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York, hosted a forum on “The Tech Path Through Filipinnovation” at the Philippine Center in New York.

In his welcome remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile highlighted the Filipinnovation series as a platform for young Filipino and Filipino-American professionals to network, exchange ideas, and build possible collaborations. He noted the relevance of the forum’s focus on technology careers amid the continued growth of the U.S. tech industry, and encouraged participants to engage with the speakers and one another, as one conversation could lead to new insights, partnerships, or ideas.

Mr. Dominic Penaloza, CEO and Co-Founder of Sync AI Technologies, Inc., then delivered a keynote message on how individuals can better adapt to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) by becoming active practitioners and builders of AI-based solutions. To illustrate the accessibility of AI-driven innovation, his 15-year old daughter, Dominique Penaloza, introduced her own AI startup, which aims to support teenagers who have experienced bullying through an anti-bullying AI coach and journal.

Following the keynote address, the forum transitioned into a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Josuard Gonzales, Founder of The Power House NYC. The panel featured Mr. Miguel Guerrero, Founder and CEO of Otis AI, Mr. Jason Malefakis, Founder and CEO of Wayo, and Ms. Erica Hanson, Founder of Coffee & Career Transitions NYC. The panelists, as well as Mr. Penaloza, shared their professional journeys and personal experiences in shaping their careers, and their advice for young professionals and career shifters who want to enter or grow in the technology sector.

Following the panel discussion, a breakout session took place moderated by Mr. Gonzales and Ms. Paula Arnedo, Vice President of Samuel A. Ramirez & Co., Inc. giving participants an opportunity to connect with the panellists and with each other.

Trade Commissioner Alma F. Argayoso delivered the final remarks and presented the Philippines as a potential partner in smart and sustainable industries, including IT-BPM, creative services, and the semiconductor and electronics sectors, among others. She also provided an overview of the Philippine Startup Ecosystem and invited participants to take part in Philippine Startup Week in November 2026.

The forum marked another milestone in the Filipinnovation series, now on its ninth installment. The series continues to celebrate Filipino creativity and leadership across industries while inspiring the next generation of innovators.