District III, more affectionately known as “DIII”, of FIND Inc. encompasses the New York Metropolitan Area of New York City, Northern New Jersey, and Long Island. With each passing year, the number of member schools to the district grows and grows, making it the largest little district within FIND Inc., while still maintaining the importance of good communication and unity. DIII schools have hosted conferences and dialogues in years past. Rutgers – New Brunswick hosted the Spring Conference in 1994 and 2000, SUNY Stony Brook hosted the Spring Conference of 1997 and the Fall Dialogue of 2001, Fall Dialogue of 2004 at College of Mount St. Vincent, and most recently Conference of 2007 at Ramapo College.
DIII has the unique distinction of being right in the heart of the New York Metro Area, giving its member schools a number of opportunities to enhance their awareness of the Philippines and its culture; with groups like Philippine Forum, Anakbayan, FAHSI, and several more, the opportunity to understand and then be understood do not disappear. The district itself strives to be a guide for the schools within, helping them reach the goals set before them and while at the same time making new ones.
The district maintains the strong connection between the schools by holding various events throughout the school year. The fall semester is highlighted by NYU’s “Mr. Philippines” pageant, Rutgers-Newark’s “Miss Philippines” pageant, NJIT’s “Reign or Shine” Dance Competition, and Seton Hall University’s “Break Dance, Not Hearts,” among other events. Barrio Season takes place during the spring semester, kicked off annually by Rutgers-New Brunswick’s “Battle of the Barrios,” in which the schools of the district compete in an event to help promote their own respective Barrio Fiestas / Philippine Culture Nights.
District III connects and links the schools within the New York Metro Area to a main goal. D3 looks to provide a channel for dialogue and action, promoting to preserve our culture, while enhancing the awareness of issues in the Filipino community through the network of schools within the district.