Council of Philippine American Organizations

The Council of Philippine American Organizations (COPAO) is a collaborative network based in National City, CA dedicated to advancing the economic, social, and political empowerment of Filipino Americans through comprehensive developmental programs and projects. As a California Public Benefit Corporation and IRS 501(c)(3) organization, COPAO delivers a range of specialized services designed to strengthen community members and their families. These services include CEPA Net initiatives, Philippine Consular Outreach programs that connect residents with diplomatic resources, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services providing accessible tax preparation support to underserved populations. The organization also operates a Leadership Academy focused on developing the next generation of community leaders from high school through professional levels. COPAO's integrated approach combines advocacy, education, and direct service delivery to address the multifaceted needs of the Filipino American community in National City and throughout California. By fostering collaboration among organizations and individuals, COPAO amplifies the collective voice and influence of Filipino Americans in local, state, and national policy discussions. The organization maintains a commitment to transparency, evidence-based programming, and responsible stewardship of resources while promoting the values of integrity, service, leadership, social justice, and inclusion throughout all its initiatives and community engagement efforts.