@
AF rty
Four Decades of Building Foundations, Building A Better Future
November 2012
Inside
4
Changing lives in changing times
8
14
Big compassion
for little lives
Unstoppable in
its tracks
20
A stronger nation
Learning, living,
leading
34
39
Sustaining life through
sustainable livelihood
Association of Foundations
3
28
Nature is life
44
Stepping stones
to the future
19 72
AF was incorporated
19 74
19 87
Published the first
Philippine Directory
of Foundations
Alongside other NGO
coalitions, signed a
Joint Declaration of
Purposes and Principles
of Development, a
framework for NGO-GO
collaboration, before
President Corazon
Aquino
19 92
19 97
Hosted and managed
the United Nations
Development
Programme Global
Environment
Facility Small Grants
Programme (UNDP
GEF-SGP)
Together with five
other networks,
established the
Philippine Council
for NGO Certification
(PCNC)
Changing lives
in changing times
The history of the Association
With a clear purpose set in place, AF
of Foundations (AF) is rooted in the
worked on extending its role from simply
continuous pursuit and passion for integrity
bridging information among member
and excellence in service. AF began as a
foundations to including the general public.
clearinghouse of information and a venue
It published the first-of-its-kind Philippine
for sharing knowledge and expertise among
Directory of Foundations in 1974, followed by
foundations. It also acted as a private sector
a four-volume edition five years later. Updates
center for self-policing and accreditation
backed by an electronic databank were
which was recognized by the National Science
released in 1990 and 1996.
Development Board as an important key
It did not take long before AF decided to
toward building the highest level of credibility
expand its services to include fund sourcing.
among non-profit organizations.
This effort was coupled with active petitions
Martial Law and the deterioration of the
for tax incentives and other policies that
economy triggered the proliferation of non-
would support the continuous growth of
profit organizations created to help the vast
non-government organizations (NGOs)
majority of the population live decent lives.
in the country.
Association of Foundations
5
20 00
20 01
20 02
20 03
20 04
Published “Donor Trends: A Resource
Book of Development Assistance in
the Philippines” in partnership with
CODE-NGO and The Asia Foundation;
published the “National Directory
of National Resource Organizations:
Philippines” in partnership with the
Synergos Institute
Established the AF
Endowment Fund and
formed the Board of Advisors;
published “Philippine NGOs:
A Resource Book of Social
Development NGOs” and
launched the online NGO
database in partnership with
CODE-NGO and The Ford
Foundation
Published “Mga
Kuwentong AF:
Stories 30 Years
After”; established
the Philippine
Foundation Center
(PFC) with support
from The Ford
Foundation
Developed
the Member
Report Card – a
membership
monitoring
and evaluation
system
Developed a Board
Governance module
for NGOs; received
5-year PCNCcertification
(recertified in 2011)
In the 1990s, it co-founded new alliances
“The journey of the Association
of Foundations began with nine
(9) foundations in 1972. Today,
we have 126 members from all
over the country, making us the
Philippines’ largest network of
foundations.
We take pride in bringing 40
years of collective impact into
the fields of children’s welfare,
education, health and nutrition,
community organizing and development, livelihood and
enterprise, and environmental protection and biodiversity.
With AF having served as mentor, facilitator, and integrator
to its members, it is gratifying to see that our efforts have
borne much fruit.
We are thankful for the opportunity to have helped make a
difference in the past 40 years and look forward to the next
40 years of building foundations, building better lives.” —
Judy A. Roxas, Chairperson
such as the Philippine Council for NGO
Certification (PCNC), Caucus of Development
NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), the National
Coordinating Council on Local Government
(NCC-LG), the Federation of Peoples’
Sustainable Development Cooperative
(FPSDC), and the League of Corporate
Foundations (LCF) which began as a subsector of AF. It led and hosted projects
funded by affiliates such as the USAID-PBSP
Local Development Assistance Programme
(LDAP), the United Nations Development
Programme Global Environment Facility Small
Grants Programme (UNDP GEF-SGP), and
the Asia-Pacific Advisory Forum of CIVICUS, a
world alliance of civil society organizations.
In the next ten years after the People Power
Revolution in 1986, AF mobilized a total of
P25 Million for 45 projects nationwide.
Sharing best practices
As the new millennium began, AF
embarked on a series of publications and
resource books featuring a variety of topics,
such as best practices in managing fund
mechanisms for development, donor trends,
and community foundations to name a few.
In 2002, it also released “Mga Kuwentong
AF: Stories 30 Years After”, which had
members recounting three decades worth of
played a significant role in putting together
experience and wisdom. In the same year, AF
age of collaboration for AF, particularly in
landmark programs, such as the Philippine
established the Philippine Foundation Center,
joint program development not only with
Development Assistance Programme
“a one-stop resource and information center
Philippine NGOs, but also with national
(PDAP) and the Philippine-Canadian Human
on civil society”.
government organizations (GOs) and
Resource Development (PCHRD) Program, for
international non-profit organizations. AF
capacity building.
The latter part of the 1980s ushered in an
Association of Foundations
6
20 05
20 06
20 07
20 08
20 11
20 12
Published “Good
News for the Poor:
Diaspora Philanthropy
by Filipinos” and
“Philippine NGOs in the
21st Century: Searching
for Renewed Relevance”,
both with support from
The Ford Foundation
Published
“The Community
Foundation
Handbook”
Managed the NGO
Strengthening
Assistance
Mechanism
or NSAM in
partnership with
The Sasakawa
Peace Foundation
Facilitated
regional alliances
among members;
cited as
CODE-NGO’s
“Best Performing
Network” (three
successive years,
2008-2010)
CODE-NGO Hall
of Fame Awardee
as “Most Active
Member Network”
40th Anniversary; published
the “Directory of Civil
Society Organizations in the
Philippines” and launched
its complementary online
searchable database,
both with support from
the Australian Agency
for International
Development (AusAID)
AF continuously promotes transparency
“The broad reach of our impact
stems from the diversity in our
membership. Our members
include non-profit institutions,
corporate foundations and
even small organizations in
far-flung rural areas. We have
likewise forged many strategic
partnerships with government
and international groups. Beyond
merely an indication of our being
the most heterogeneous network of NGOs, our multi-cause
orientation has become a real instrument in addressing
the ever-evolving, myriad needs of Filipinos in constantly
changing times.” — Fely C. Rixhon, President
and accountability among its members and
encourages them to obtain certification from
the Philippine Council for NGO Certification
(PCNC). To help them through the process,
AF facilitates one-on-one mentoring and
consultations, with more experienced
members sharing their expertise and
practical knowledge with those preparing for
certification.
Given the diversity and geographic
spread of its membership, building regional
and thematic alliances has become an AF
priority. The Batangas Alliance, SOCSARGEN
Convergence, Davao Cluster, Negros Coalition,
and Baguio Caucus are regional partnerships
that provide members with the opportunity
to implement development programs within
their geographic areas of operation. More
recently, thematic clusters have been formed
to give members the opportunity to discuss
issues or collaborate on common program
areas, such as social enterprises, grant making,
indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities,
The recent decade
humanitarian action in Mindanao, disaster
Among its notable programs is Building
Successful Boards and Managing for
risk reduction and climate change adaptation.
of its efforts to professionalizing the non-
Effective Board Governance – a two-pronged
These alliances strive to provide a nurturing
profit sector and strengthening the capacity
governance training program which AF has
environment where members can count on
of members through activities geared toward
been conducting for members and partner
each other for support and encouragement,
improved board governance, institutional
organizations since 2004. AF has also been one
and foster collaborations that improve
effectiveness and stability, and strategic
of the drivers for the formation of community
efficiency and multiply the impact of the
partnerships.
foundations, viewing it as a strategy for
interventions.
In the last ten years, AF has dedicated much
sustainable philanthropy for development in
communities.
Association of Foundations
7
Children’s Welfare
Big compassion
for little lives
Association of Foundations
8
The growing number of street children
in the Philippines is a big national concern1.
The 1998 report “Situation of the Youth in the
Philippines,” states that there are about
1.5 million street children in the country2.
These commonly out-of-school youth take to
the urban sidewalks, forced to eke out a living
for daily survival up to 16 hours a day, come
rain or shine. Many of them are migrants from
the rural areas where more of these young
underprivileged Filipinos dwell in dismal
living conditions. Whether from the city or
the provinces, the future of these potentially
brilliant minds remains bleak in the midst of
poverty, hunger, disease, malnutrition, and
abandonment or neglect of parents. They
have the highest vulnerability to exploitation,
discrimination, drug addiction, crimes,
maltreatment and other types of abuse.
Current efforts to protect the Filipino child’s
welfare come from various fronts, including
government, non-government and private
organizations, media, and community-based
advocates. Among AF members, focus is on
supporting the rights and enhancing the
quality of life of street children, victims of abuse,
juvenile delinquents, youth with disabilities,
and other disadvantaged young Filipinos. Their
programs center on education and training,
medical services, rehabilitation, and other youth
development initiatives.
1 Street Children in the Philippines, http://www.
streetchildren-philippines.org/Streetchildren%20
in%20the%20Philippines.pdf (accessed July 26, 2012).
2 Street Child in the World, http://www.hopetochildren.
org/ (accessed September 03, 2012).
Association of Foundations
9
Some members working
on children's welfare
Baguio Center for Young Adults
(Baguio City)
Prepares teens to respond to life’s
challenges through peer education and
development, capacity building and
training, RH education and community
mobilization
Child and Family Service Philippines
(Baguio City)
Upholds the basic rights of women
and families; cares for victims of abuse
through its Child Abuse Prevention and
Intervention Program <www.cfspi.org.ph>
Childhope Asia Philippines (Manila)
Champions children’s rights and
protection; its Street Education Program is
dedicated to street children
<www.childhope.org.ph>
Ilog Kinderhome Foundation
(Ilog, Negros Occidental)
Empowers young Filipinos through its
programs on health, education and
nutrition, child protection, and family
development
Inocencio Magtoto Memorial
Foundation (San Fernando, Pampanga)
Mainstreams young people with
disabilities into daily community life
through its Alternative Learning and
Transition Program
Tahanan Outreach Projects
and Services (Manila)
Aims to prevent juvenile delinquency and
assist children in trouble with the law; runs
Silungan, a temporary shelter for street
children
Association of Foundations
11
Community Organizing & Development
Unstoppable
in its
tracks
In the year that AF was incorporated,
unstoppable in its tracks. In no time, NGOs,
then President Ferdinand Marcos also
whether church-based or politicized,
foundations formally banded together
Toward the end of 1972, a handful of
declared martial rule. This repressive situation
recommenced their grassroots initiatives.
into what is now AF. Subsequently, other
hampered most community organizing. A
Their take-off point was education, health,
consortiums formed, more progressive ones
number of groups headed underground,
and enterprise development as a way to steer
but of similar intent. The “paper lifting” of
while church-based programs took on NGO
clear of possible consequences from the
Martial Law in 1981 opened the gateways
functions. But, community organizing and
dictatorship.
to more efforts in community organizing
development in the Philippines proved
and development which would eventually
Association of Foundations
14
the institutional Church. While this newfound
and shelter, livelihood and enterprise,
unity lobbied for justice, other groups
humanitarian emergencies and care,
emerged as well, such as those of fisherfolk,
peace and order, population and resource
indigenous peoples (IP), and other non-
management – each one unavoidably
politicized sectors. This paved the way for
connected with the other. And within the all-
the development of programs in livelihood,
encompassing efforts of AF members, there
environment, gender equality and other
are also numerous approaches used, such as
sector-related agendas.
scholarship grants, technology and micro-
Four decades have passed since AF came
finance training, infrastructure development,
to being. It now has a substantial line-up of
rescue and rehabilitation activities, and
members dedicated to a mix of community
conflict resolution, to name a few. Diverse as
organizing and development work.
these may seem, they are, however, bound by
be replicated all over the archipelago. The
Because the issues of Philippine society are
a common mission – to help alleviate poverty
multiplication of NGOs reinforced the need
widespread and multi-faceted, the strategic
among marginalized sectors of society and
for synergy of activities and collaboration of
initiatives developed by AF members are
improve quality of life through sustainable,
experiences and resources.
necessarily manifold in purpose, set-up and
person-centered development programs.
When former Senator Benigno Aquino
system. From addressing individual to family
was assassinated in 1983, a cross section
to community concerns, there are programs
of society began to participate in street
on a range of areas including basic education
protests, including the business sector and
Association of Foundations
15
Some members with programs in community organizing and development
Habitat for Humanity Philippines
Foundation (Makati City)
AAI Charity Foundation (Parañaque City)
Adopts a multi-targeted curriculum for
individual and community development for
indigent urban communities
<www.airliftasiainc.com>
Works for a decent place to live, especially for
the poor, through house construction and repair
programs and advocacy on policies to increase
access to shelter for the poor
<www.habitat.org.ph>
Angelo King Foundation (Makati City)
Engages in infrastructure projects for
communities with organizations like
Philippine Business for Social Progress, Gawad
Kalinga, and Habitat for Humanity <www.
kingsumarketingcorp.com/akfihome.html>
Igorota Foundation (Baguio City)
ASCODE Foundation (Legazpi, Albay)
Offers people-centered development programs
through values formation and livelihood
assistance for marginalized sectors in Bicol
Community and Family Services
International (Pasay City)
Empowers women and supports ancestral
domain and Cordillera issues through
transformative training, education, advocacy,
and organizing <www.igorota.weebly.com/index.
html>
Josefa Segovia Foundation (Davao City)
Links sustainable development with excellence
through corporate social responsibility initiatives
<www.lopezgroup.org>
Conflict Resolution Group Foundation
Philippine Center for Population and
Development (Taguig City)
(Pasig City)
Promotes non-adversarial conflict resolution
through mediation training across all sectors
and levels of society <www.coregroup.org.ph>
Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation
(Cebu City)
Saves lives through its nationwide paramedic
institution which provides emergency medical
and rescue services during accidents and
natural calamities <www.eruf161.com>
Provides grants for policy studies and action
programs for long-term human development and
an appropriate balance between population and
resources <www.pcpd.ph>
Association of Foundations
Sarangani Province Empowerment
and Community Transformation Forum
(General Santos City)
Partners with the Sarangani Provincial
Government to implement social services
projects such as water and sanitation,
natural resource management, and peace
and development
Simon of Cyrene Children’s
Rehabilitation and Development
Foundation (Daraga, Albay)
Provides technology training for farmers and
barangay development in the third district of
Davao City <www.jsf.org.ph>
Lopez Group Foundation (Pasig City)
Protects and promotes overall well-being of
victims of major humanitarian emergencies in
the Philippines and in Asia <www.cfsi.ph>
Ramon Aboitiz Foundation (Cebu City)
Focuses on integrated development, microfinance and entrepreneurship, culture and
heritage, leadership and citizenship, and
education <www.rafi.org.ph>
17
Promotes the rights of persons with
disabilities and works toward their
empowerment as proactive members of
society <www.simonofcyrenefdn.org>
Xavier Science Foundation
(Cagayan de Oro City)
Addresses poverty in rural communities
through programs centered on science
and technology for enhanced productivity,
profitability and equity
<www.xsfoundation.org>
Education
Learning,
living,
leading
The longstanding issues on education
in the Philippines, particularly on student
enrollment, attendance, and achievement,
may be attributed to a number of reasons.
Oftentimes, poverty ranks first.
While poverty is apparent in major cities
where out-of-school children abound on
the streets, nearly 80% of the poor actually
reside in rural areas1, in the agricultural fields
and the upland areas. Here, children are
expected to help out in farm work, especially
during harvest season. With poverty comes
its bitter half – hunger. A 2011 survey by the
Social Weather Station (SWS) says “about 4.1
million families are experiencing hunger” in
the Philippines2. If poor families can barely
1 International Fund for Agricultural Development,
Enabling poor rural people to overcome poverty in
the Philippines, http://www.ifad.org/operations/
projects/regions/pi/factsheets/ph.pdf (accessed
August 23, 2012).
2 Maricar Virtudazo, SWS survey: 4.1 million Filipino
families are going hungry, http://www.noypi.ph/
index.php/nation/3528-sws-survey-4-1-millionfilipino-families-are-going-hungry.html (accessed
August 23, 2012).
Association of Foundations
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Association of Foundations
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Association of Foundations
22
put food on their tables, how could they spare
enough for a good education?
Across the islands, there is an obvious
disparity in education figures. Mindanao
trails in this register, as it also happens to be
the most strife-ridden region. Armed conflict
disrupts schooling as children are caught in
the crossfire and forced into refugee camps.
Some members with education-centered programs
Aboitiz Foundation (Cebu City)
Its comprehensive development program,
with foremost support to education, is
geared towards “helping people help
themselves” <www.aboitizfoundation.org>
and supplies, school distance and costly
transportation. In highly populated urban
Ala-Ala Foundation (a.k.a. Jose Antonio
areas, the public school teacher handles an
Delgado Memorial Foundation, Inc.,
Makati City)
Supports small projects with great
multiplier effect, including the education
and development of Mangyan youth to
transform them into proud defenders of
their culture and heritage
interest, attributable perhaps to poor teaching
quality, deficiency in infrastructure, facilities
average class size of 60 to 70 students at
shortened school hours, to accommodate
students at two shifts per day. Surely, these
conditions are not conducive for proper
learning.
Recognizing the vital role of proper
education in molding the nation’s future,
many AF members have adopted this as their
primary thrust. Some provide comprehensive
programs that cover academics and values
formation, while others focus on more specific
areas such as augmenting school facilities,
upgrading teaching methods, educating
through evangelization, or honing great
Focuses on poor and disadvantaged youth,
providing value formation and scholarship
grants with emphasis on science and
technology <www.ayfoundation.com>
of society, including youth and adults from
Donates education materials to public
schools; campaigns for excellence in
teaching through its “The Many Faces of
the Teacher” program; manages scholarship
and educational subsidy programs
<www.batobalanifoundation.org.ph>
underprivileged communities, persons with
Cartwheel Foundation
disabilities, and indigenous peoples (IP).
(Mandaluyong City)
Works with IP communities for their
holistic development through programs in
early childhood education, adult capacity
building, and development of youth leaders
<www.cartwheelfoundation.org>
Education-based programs offered by AF
members are designed for varied sectors
Davao Association of Colleges and
Schools (Davao City)
AY Foundation (Makati City)
Bato Balani Foundation (Makati City)
even the construction of school buildings.
(Manila)
Optimizes the power of communication
media to promote Christian values and
social transformation <www.cfamedia.org>
Partners with the Sarangani Provincial
Government on programs geared toward
reforming the local public school system
scholarships, grants, training services, and
Several AF members collaborate with learning,
Communication Foundation for Asia
Primary initiative is its education program
that has produced more than 500 college
and technical school graduates
<www.amchamfoundation.com>
to help bring to fruition initiatives such as
the implementation of educational programs.
(Manila)
Supports the Department of Education’s
efforts to address the classroom shortage;
its Little Red Schoolhouse program builds
classrooms in public schools in remote,
underserved areas nationwide
<www.coca-colafoundation.ph>
Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara
Foundation (Alabel, Sarangani)
communications, and financial institutions
among organizations are also optimized in
Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines
American Chamber Foundation
Philippines (Makati City)
Ayala Foundation (Makati City)
Offers capacity-building for public
elementary school teachers; its “Text2Teach
Project” uses mobile technology to provide
teachers with teaching tools and content
<www.ayalafoundation.org>
leaders and public servants. Partnerships
(Quezon City)
Provides programs on formal and
non-formal education, value formation, and
parent involvement and partnership
<www.cfcancop.org>
AIM Scientific Research Foundation
(Makati City)
Develops professional, entrepreneurial and
socially responsible leaders and managers
for sustainable growth of Asian societies
<www.aim.edu>
There is also a recorded lack of personal
CFC ANCOP-Tekton Foundation
Builds a community of learning institutions
that collaborate for social transformation
through youth development, school
management improvement, and
environmental projects
DLSU Science Foundation (Manila)
Provides grants and fellowships to
faculty members and administers funds
for professorial chairs, scholarships, and
research grants for member institutions of
DLSU Philippines <www.dlsu.edu.ph>
E. Zobel Foundation (Makati City)
Assists public schools through programs
for infrastructure development, teacher
training, health and nutrition and learning
support <www.enriquezobelfoundation.org>
Educational Research and
Development Assistance Foundation
(Quezon City)
Offers educational assistance and capability
building to youth facing various life
challenges; clientele includes school dropouts, street children, and children in conflict
with the law <www.erda.ph>
Catholic Educational Association
of the Philippines (Quezon City)
Foundation for Development Through
Education (Davao City)
Promotes solidarity and transformative
Catholic education among its members; it
is the largest organization of schools in the
country <www.ceap.org.ph>
Grants scholarships to young adult Lumads
(IPs) in Mindanao
continued on page 26
Association of Foundations
23
(continued from page 23
Gerry Roxas Foundation (Quezon City)
Develops leaders and communities
through its programs in education, health
and good governance for justice and peace
<www.gerryroxasfoundation.org>
Mother Rosa Memorial Foundation
(Makati City)
Runs the Assumpta Technical High
School in San Simon, Pampanga; its dual
curriculum combines a high standard
of academic instruction with superior
technical skills training
J. Amado Araneta Foundation
(Quezon City)
Provides opportunities to young Filipinos
to excel in education, culture and the
arts, sports, and enterprise development;
encourages spiritual enrichment and giving
back to the community
Philippine Agency for Community and
Family Mindanao (Davao City)
Serves low-income families in Mindanao;
helps out-of-school youth through
skills development and value formation
programs
Jesuit Communications Foundation
(Quezon City)
Promotes the word of Christ through
various forms of media; produces “The
Word Exposed” and “Kape’t Pandasal”
programs which are broadcasted on
television <www.jescom.ph>
President Manuel A. Roxas Foundation
Lorenzo Tañada Foundation (Pasig City)
Security Bank Foundation (Makati City)
(Quezon City)
Promotes the appreciation of Philippine
culture and history and nurtures potential
leaders and public servants <www.pmarf.
org>
Dedicated to propagating the ideals
of Lorenzo Tañada among new and
future leaders; grants scholarships to
valedictorians of San Lorenzo Academy in
Pio Duran, Albay
Augments learning facilities in needy
public schools through its “60 Classrooms
Project”; grants scholarships in partnership
with reputable universities and colleges
<www.securitybank.com/sbcfoundation/>
Mangyan Heritage Center (Calapan City)
SIMAG Foundation (Silay City)
Offers a scholarship program for children
of Silay’s sugar plantation farmers
Encourages appreciation for Mangyan
indigenous culture in the modern world
through traveling exhibits, lectures,
research, publications and a comprehensive
library <www.mangyan.org>
Springboard Foundation
(Parañaque City)
Provides nutrition and educational
programs to children and youth in urban
poor communities <www.springboardfoundation.org>
Megaworld Foundation (Makati City)
Grants scholarships to financially
handicapped, but academically qualified
students in 22 universities and colleges
<www.megaworldcorp.com/AboutUs/
CorporateSocialResponsibility.aspx>
Sugar Industry Foundation
(Bacolod City)
Grants scholarships to dependents of sugar
plantation workers <www.sifi.org.ph>
MFI Foundation (Pasig City)
Trains students to become highly
competent technicians and entrepreneurs
through its “Industrial Technician Program”,
a post-secondary certificate course
<www.mfi.org.ph>
Uygongco Foundation (Iloilo City)
Conducts a daily feeding program for
elementary school children in Panay;
grants scholarships to academically
challenged students <www.ufi.org.ph>
Mindanao PHILSAGA Foundation
Willy N. Gan Foundation (Pasig City)
(Davao City)
Helps communities in Mindanao through
scholarship grants, classroom construction,
and medical and livelihood assistance
Association of Foundations
Grants scholarships in information and
communications technology to students in
Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao
26
Association of Foundations
27
Environmental Protection & Biodiversity
Nature is life
Being located in the “Pacific Ring of
Fire” puts the Philippines’ more than 7,0
00 islands precariously along the path of
typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions
and other natural disasters. Recently, we have
learned the hard way that these calamities
are made even worse by human negligence
and abuse.
Environmental degradation in our country,
such as the obliteration of coastlines,
reportedly influenced by rapid population
growth and uncontrolled development1,
has reached alarming proportions. The
need for more living space to accommodate
the growing population requires more
construction materials, excavations,
dredging, and land reclamation. Coastal
areas, agricultural fields, and forests once
Association of Foundations
28
lush are disappearing fast, threatened by
uncaring practices such as overfishing, illegal
logging, solid waste, water and air pollution,
ineffective policies and enforcement, and
overall mismanagement of natural resources.
Aquaculture has reduced Philippine
mangroves to only about a third2. Fifty major
rivers are now left to ghastly pollution3. In a
span of a century, almost 97 percent of our
forests have been cut down. Approximately
46 percent of known animal species and 40
percent of known plant species are endemic
to our country, yet only about 5 percent
of Philippine land area is under some form
of environmental protection4. This stark
disproportion could send nature to the grave
and, if left unattended, will lead humans to
the same fate.
Association of Foundations
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AF members address such environmental
challenges with an attempt to establish a
strong link between quality of life and quality
of the surrounding eco-systems. The main
components of most initiatives are anchored
on recycling, rehabilitation and protection.
Recycling emphasizes the conversion of
potential pollutants into useful end-products,
while programs on rehabilitation and
protection are largely geared toward upland
and coastland environs.
1 Henrylito D. Tacio, Surging population threatens
fragile Philippine ecosystems, http://www.
peopleandplanet.net/29067/content/surgingpopulation-threatens-fragile-philippineecosystems.html (accessed August 23, 2012).
2 Environmental problems in the Philippines: Saving
precious remains, http://wwf.panda.org/
who_we_are/wwf_offices/philippines/
environmental_problems__in_philippines/
(accessed August 4, 2012).
Some members with initiatives on defending nature
Lorma Community Development
Foundation (San Fernando, La Union)
Andres Soriano Foundation (Pasay City)
Implements sustainable development
initiatives in underserved communities in
Palawan to ensure quality of life and protect
the environment <www.anscor.com.ph/
foundation/foundation.html >
Focuses on upland and coastal
development in La Union; among its
projects are irrigation systems and planting
of cashew and cacao trees
<www.lorma.org>
Coalition of Social Development
Organizations in South Cotabato
Punta Fuego Village Foundation
(Koronadal City)
Environmental protection and rehabilitation
is one of its primary concerns; participated in
the drafting of the Provincial Environmental
Code of South Cotabato <www.csdo-sc.ph>
(Nasugbu, Batangas)
Establishes marine protected areas within
the waters of Punta Fuego, Nasugbu to
conserve the surrounding environment
and improve the quality of life in Barangay
Balaytigue
GENESYS Foundation (San Carlos City)
Works with communities in San Carlos,
Negros Occidental; introduced innovations
such as harnessing biomass for renewable
energy and sugarcane trash for sustainable
watersheds <www.genesysph.org>
3 Decline of Natural Resources and Biodiversity,
http://imagineechoprojectswaste.blogspot.
com/2008/04/decline-of-natural-resources.html
(accessed August 4, 2012).
4 Philippines, http://rainforests.mongabay.
com/20philippines.htm (accessed August 4, 2012).
Association of Foundations
31
Where
goes,
PALPAL
Foundation
progress
follows…
(for layouting
Medical Travel Grants
c/o Elsie)
enable Filipino charity patients to travel
with an escort, on Philippine Airlines, to get
treatment for serious health ailments
Humanitarian Cargo Grants
free space available cargo for donations of high
value relief goods, rescue equipment and water
purifying supplies from non-profit organizations to
their counterparts in calamity stricken areas
Access to Life — Mobility Aids & Educational Materials for Persons with Disabilities
Gate 1, Andrews Ave., Nichols, Pasay City 1309
Email: palfoundation@pal.com.ph
Phones: (02) 851.2980; (02) 855.8000 local 2143/ 2563 Telefax: (02) 852.6096
Association of Foundations
34
Health & Nutrition
A stronger nation
More often than not, an empty pocket
Malnutrition is not only the lack of food;
in the Philippines work with targeted
translates to an empty stomach. Poverty
it is the lack of proper nutrients in the body.
individuals, families and communities. The
obstructs the road to good nutrition,
Two in every 10 Filipino children five years
most common undertaking is the proper
particularly for the young. In the Philippines,
and below are underweight and one in every
feeding of disadvantaged children, along
inadequate feeding during the early stages
three children up to 10 years old is stunted,
with the delivery of basic health care to those
of childhood and financial constraints for
according to a recent report by the Food and
suffering from illnesses. Aside from working
proper health care worsens the problem.
Nutrition Research Institute1.
with poor communities, some AF members
Government and non-government
Nutrition is vital to survival. Over and
extend a helping hand to individuals with
advocates, alongside the World Health
above that, nutrition defines the strength
identified special needs as well as the
Organization (WHO), have been working
of our future nation-builders. Giving young
elderly. Assistance may come in the form
toward achieving the United Nations
Filipinos the basic human right to nutrition is
of free health care, disease prevention and
Millennium Development Goal to reduce
a cornerstone to physical health, intellectual
management, financial assistance, and the
under-five mortality up to two-thirds by
growth and overall wellbeing. And ensuring
provision of transport in order to access
2015. Various health and nutrition programs
a full life ahead for these children, one that
critically needed medical services.
continue to be employed around the
is free from hunger and disease, is a shared
country, such as supplemental feeding,
responsibility, one that AF members have
heightened campaigns on breastfeeding,
taken on as their own.
and the enhancement of food security and
distribution. While there have been gains in
AF members committed to raising the
quality of medical and nutritional services
the health of Filipino children and families
in the past years, continued exertion is still
needed in curbing malnutrition, promoting
1 Paul Icamina, Poverty tells most on malnutrition,
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/business/
business-news/1435-poverty-tells-most-onmalnutrition (accessed July 30, 2012)
disease prevention, and improving access to
affordable health care.
Association of Foundations
35
Some members with initiatives toward a healthier future
Operation Smile Philippines
Foundation (Makati City)
Alt*Health Foundation, Inc.
Organizes surgical missions with volunteer
doctors from the Philippines and abroad
for free reconstructive surgery for indigent
children with facial deformities <www.
operationsmile.org.ph>
(Quezon City)
Provides viable, responsive and alternative
models of health care services for its
member non-government organizations
<www.althealthfoundation.org>
Jollibee Foundation (Pasig City)
Provides a 136-day lunch program to
undernourished Grades 1 and 2 public school
pupils through its “Busog, Lusog, Talino
School Feeding Program”
<www.jollibeefoundation.org>
DAR Employees Foundation
Luke Foundation (Baguio City)
(Quezon City)
Maintains a health care program for
employees of the Department of Agrarian
Reform and a feeding program in highly
depressed areas <www.darefoundation.
org.ph>
Provides preventive and curative health care,
mainly to patients with eye and ear diseases;
programs include training for community
health workers and daily living skills
acquisition <www.lukefoundation.org.ph>
H.O.P.E. Volunteers Foundation
Delivers medicines to underserved
communities in partnership with the National
Pharmaceutical Foundation, Department
of Health, LGUs, hospitals and community
cooperatives <www.mahintana.org>
(Bacolod City)
Provides free reconstructive surgery
and speech therapy to indigent patients
in Negros Occidental through its “Cleft
Rehabilitation Program” in partnership
with Operation Smile
Help Learning Center Foundation
(Naga City)
Runs a community-based rehabilitation
program for children with special needs;
uses a holistic and multi-disciplinary team
approach which includes education of
family members
<www.helplearningcenter.net>
Philippine Airlines Foundation
(Pasay City)
Transports charity patients in urgent need
of medical care, flies medical supplies and
equipment to underserved regions, and
airlifts relief goods to calamity-stricken
areas <www.philippineairlines.com/about_
pal/pal_foundation/pal_foundation.jsp >
Mahintana Foundation (Davao City)
Pilipinas Shell Foundation (Makati City)
Implements a health program in
40 highly malaria-endemic provinces
using sustainable strategies in early
case detection, treatment, control of
transmission, and social mobilization
<www.shell.com.ph/home/content/phl/
environment_society/shell_in_the_society/
psfi/>
Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines
(Quezon City)
Aims for proper nourishment of individuals
and families in targeted communities; its
“Nutrition and Health Kiddie Classes” program
introduces pre-school children to concepts
on food and nutrition <www.nfp.org.ph>
Association of Foundations
SM Foundation (Pasay City)
Offers health care services through medical
missions, mobile clinics, wellness centers
for children and the elderly, hospice units,
and the Felicidad Sy Wards and Health
Centers <www.sm-foundation.org>
37
Livelihood & Enterprise Development
Sustaining
life through
sustainable
livelihood
An article released in 2012 states that,
alleviation programs. The readiness level
“For the poorest of the poor to enjoy the life
of beneficiaries could make or break the
of the richest of the rich in the Philippines, the
program. With limited funds, therefore, there
National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)
is a need for focused livelihood programs,
said the former need to see an 18-fold increase
targeting those that are more sustainable and
in their income every year.”1 Underprivileged
must necessarily include social preparedness
families most often have household heads
and skills training.
whose highest educational attainment is
While there can be no truly perfect system
Grade 6. Daily earnings are far from enough
in any endeavor, including livelihood and
for a typical family of four or more children.
enterprise development, AF members
Standard of living is marked by extreme lack of
continue to persist toward better fund
food, clothing, shelter and medical care.
sourcing and utilization, training their
The 1960s and 1970s painted a much
beneficiaries for readiness, evaluating the
more promising picture for the country,
progress of implemented programs, and
characterized by high economic growth.
ultimately, helping communities achieve
Into the 1980s, these growth rates began to
sustainable means of living. Among the
hit negative, although a wave of recovery
sectors commonly assisted are farmers
rolled in during the 1990s. However, the
and other agricultural workers, women,
lack of sustained economic growth kept the
and out-of-school youth. Aside from the
number of poor Filipinos elevated, owing to a
obvious essentials in successful micro-
web of factors like rapid population growth,
entrepreneurship, such as organizational,
shortchanges in the economic structure,
marketing and financial know-how, a number
insufficient employment opportunities,
of AF members incorporate the importance
inequality of income, and inadequate social
of basic education, values formation, and
services.
environmental care into their programs.
Both GOs and NGOs have been pushing
for intervention programs on livelihood and
enterprise development. Although there are
success stories, the constant challenge is fund
sourcing and its underutilization. Much of
1 Income of rich 18 times more than poor’s–NSCB,
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/02/12/
income-rich-18-times-more-poor’s–nscb (accessed
July 30, 2012).
this stems from the lack of social preparation,
frequently overlooked in the design of poverty
Association of Foundations
39
Some members with programs on livelihood and enterprise development
Ang Hortaleza Foundation
(Valenzuela City)
Trains unemployed women in livelihood
skills, particularly in basic cosmetology,
through its “Ganda Mo Hanapbuhay
Ko” program <www.splash.com.ph/anghortaleza-foundation/>
Antipolo Seminary Foundation
(Parañaque City)
Offers financial assistance for projects of
women-managed organizations and to
peoples organizations for projects that
benefit children in poor communities
<www.asf.org.ph>
BPI Foundation (Makati City)
Promotes entrepreneurship; its “Enterprise
Development Program” is acknowledged
by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as a pioneer
in wholesale lending to micro-finance
institutions <www.bpiexpressonline.com>
Foundation for TheseAbled Persons
(Pasig City)
Supports economic self-sufficiency,
meaningful participation and an inclusive
and supportive environment for persons
with disabilities <www.fti2009ph.webs.com>
Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation (Baguio City)
Works for holistic development by addressing
the community’s social, economic and
environmental needs through its “Ecological
Enhancement and Enterprise Development”
projects <www.jvofi.org>
Pondong Batangan Community
Foundation (Lipa City)
Kasilak Development Foundation
Sugbuanon Foundation DRREAM
(Davao City)
Promotes community-based livelihood and
assists rural farmers by strengthening their
linkages to appropriate markets
<www.kasilak.org>
(Cebu City)
Implements the “Farmers Scientist Training
Program”, an RDE training program on
corn-based production systems in Cebu
Provides loans and grants to support
livelihood projects toward the fulfillment
of its mission “Kaganapan ng buhay ng mga
Batangenyo”
Surigao Economic Development
Foundation (Surigao City)
Negros Economic Development
Foundation (Bacolod City)
Initiates community organizing,
micro-enterprise development, and social
enterprise programs for the marginal
and vulnerable sectors
Provides organizational, marketing and
financial-related training services as well as
food processing skills upgrading for microentrepreneurs <www.nedf-inc.org>
South Cotabato Foundation
Notre Dame Business Resource Center
Foundation (General Santos City)
(Koronadal City)
Offers micro-finance and micro-agrifinancing
for smaller social development organizations
for the benefit of communities in South
Central Mindanao
Prepares out-of-school youth for employment
through technical training and work attitude
formation
Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation
(Manila)
Promotes sharing and solidarity by
encouraging individuals to collect 25 centavo
coins and donate them for programs for the
poor <www.pondongpinoy.org.ph>
Association of Foundations
41
Stepping stones
to the future
by Lolita Delgado Fansler
Just like an elephant, it took almost
two years before the Association of
Foundations was born. It began with a casual
search under Foundations in a 1970 New York
City telephone book. Then embarrassment
at not being able to answer questions about
Philippine foundations from the Foundation
Center and the Council on Foundations
planted the seed. The question - Wouldn’t
it be good for foundation people to get
together for dialogue, sharing of expertise
“AF’s 40th Anniversary
Commemorative
Magazine proves that
the organization and its
members have achieved
much more than those
initial dreams. “
and cooperation? – nurtured it. (The words
NGO, networking, counterpart-funding were
that most local foundations were not grant-
New York in 1972, it was a joy to announce
not yet being used at that time.)
makers but were operating their
that the Association of Foundations had been
own projects.
incorporated, had an office in Manila, would
In Manila, the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) had a room full of
Dr. Juan Salcedo of the NSDB talked
one day publish a Directory of Philippine
documents compiled according to the
to the tax-exempt foundations about
Foundations, and that the government’s
years of incorporation; separating profit
the agency’s accreditation scheme and
supervising agency (NSDB) relied on
organizations from the non-profits would take
how he had broadened the definition of
AF members to set a good example.
forever. The National Science Development
science and technology to also include
Board (NSDB) had a list of less than a hundred
granting tax exemption to those involved
Magazine proves that the organization and
tax-exempt NSDB-certified foundations.
in community development, social science,
its members have achieved much more than
This was a good place to start.
education, art and culture, charitable work,
those initial dreams. They can trumpet their
etc. The group vowed to follow the NSDB
successes which prove the strength of their
he knew from among those listed as
requirements but to also abide by its own set
long-term commitment to serving the people
contacts for each foundation - executives of
of stricter rules to differentiate themselves
and making a difference. I am awed and
corporations and presidents of schools, all
from other fly-by-night foundations. This
humbled.
male, all his contemporaries – and suggested
loosely organized Federation of Philippine
picking on their brains and expertise. In
Foundations met monthly to discuss NSDB
the past and present board of trustees,
March 1971 the executive director of the
issues and to establish a clearinghouse of
administration and staff, members, workshop
Ala-Ala Foundation invited fifteen of the most
information on foundation activities. Since
leaders, advisers, etc. these forty plus years.
enthusiastic and supportive to the first-ever
foundation or development management
A million thanks to all of them from this
meeting to discuss foundation matters in
courses were non-existent, older and larger
Filipina.
general. The men knew each other. Their
foundations shared their competencies with
foundations were just one of their many
the neophytes, accountants, secretaries and
involvements; yet their suggestions, advice
directors.
My father ticked off the names of people
and ideas were superb.
A visiting Canadian lectured on “How to
AF’s 40th Anniversary Commemorative
AF would not be where it is today without
Lolita Delgado Fansler has been involved in
foundation work since 1969 and established
the Association of Foundations in 1972. She is
executive director of the Ala-Ala Foundation
(Jose Antonio Delgado Memorial Foundation,
Inc.) and is involved in several other nonprofits in various capacities. She co-authored
a college textbook, Sustainable Development:
A Philippine Perspective, and her articles have
been published in Manila, Singapore, Korea,
the USA, and the Reader’s Digest.
In the 1960s the Filipino public only knew
the international foundations with activities
Evaluate Project Proposals,” but the bulk of
in the country. The word foundation conjured
the participants were there to meet possible
mostly images of construction, make-up or
funders in the audience. This first gathering of
under-garments. Invited as a special guest
foundation administrators and staff showed
at a Council on Foundations conference in
Association of Foundations
45
AF@rty
publisher
Association of Foundations Phils., Inc.
editors
Ma. Cecilia L. Alcantara
Norman Joseph Q. Jiao
associate editor
Maria Theresa A. Alegre
writer
Virna J. Villanueva
graphic designer
Elsie C. Dormiendo
photo contributors
Cover image by Robert Timonera
Page 4 (top) The 40th AF General Assembly and (below) Leadership for Nation-building
participants, from the Association of Foundations photo collection
courtesy of Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.
of Cartwheel Foundation, Inc.
Page 8 Photograph from Brigada Eskwela Project,
Page 9 “Mother and Child”, Umajamnén, Bukidnon taken by Ambo Ubanan, courtesy
Page 11 (top to bottom) Photograph from Brigada Eskwela Project courtesy of Aboitiz
Foundation, Inc.; Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (Centex) Students from the Ayala Memory Collection of
Filipinas Heritage Library, courtesy of Ayala Foundation, Inc.; Out-of-school youth of Brgy. Malandag in Sarangani benefitting
from the Techno-based Literacy and Lifeskills Development Project, courtesy of Kasilak Development Foundation, Inc.
Page 14 Photograph of leaders of Matigsalug-Manobo Tribe, courtesy of Josefa Segovia Foundation, Inc.
Page 15 Photograph from the Text2Teach Project, courtesy of Ayala Foundation, Inc.
Memory Collection of Filipinas Heritage Library, courtesy of Ayala Foundation, Inc.
Page 17 Photograph from the Ayala
Page 20 (left) Photograph from the
Summer Remedial Classes in Maitum, Sarangani Province, courtesy of Notre Dame Business Resource Center Foundation,
Inc.; (right) Photograph from the Techno-based Literacy and Life Skills Development Project, courtesy of Kasilak Development
Foundation, Inc.
Page 21 Photographs courtesy of Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.
Page 22 (top) Photograph from the MFI
Summer Technician Orientation Program (STOP), courtesy of MFI Foundation, Inc.; (below) Photograph from the 15-month
technical courses in Refrigeration and Airconditioning Mechanics, and Mechatronics, courtesy of Jollibee Foundation, Inc.
Page 27 (top) Photograph of the 25th Little Red Schoolhouse, Hambabauran Elementary School in Bohol and (below)
Little Red Schoolhouse Reading Program in the Nabaoy Elementary School in Malay, Aklan, courtesy of Coca-Cola Foundation
Philippines, Inc.
Inc.
Page 28 Vegetable planting demonstration at SCFI Demofarm, courtesy of South Cotabato Foundation,
Page 29 (top) Photograph of improved cultural management of strawberry, courtesy of Josefa Segovia Foundation,
Inc.; (below) “Saving the Benguet Watersheds for Water” taken by Hazel L. Golocan, courtesy of Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation,
Inc.
Page 30 (upper collage, clockwise) Aerial shot, courtesy of DAR Employees Foundation, Inc.; tree planting photograph,
courtesy of DAR Employees Foundation, Inc.; Coastal Clean-up Drive in Panabo City, courtesy of Kasilak Development
Foundation, Inc.; (below) “Saving the Benguet Watersheds for Water” taken by Hazel L. Golocan, courtesy of Jaime V. Ongpin
Foundation, Inc.
Page 31 Photograph from Agos Project, courtesy of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.
Page 34 Photograph from a medical/dental mission, courtesy of Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.
palate surgical procedure, courtesy of Operation Smile Philippines Foundation, Inc.
Page 35 Photograph of cleft
Page 37 Photograph of feeding
program under the Summer Remedial Classes in Lomutan, Maitum, Sarangani Province, courtesy of Notre Dame Business
Resource Center Foundation, Inc.
Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.
Pages 38, 40 & 41 Photographs of beneficiaries of microfinance loan packages, courtesy of
Page 44 Photograph taken by Dariel Quiogue
AF@rty is a special 40th Anniversary publication of the Association of Foundations (AF) Room 1102, 11/F Aurora Tower, Aurora
Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines Telefax: (+632) 911-9792, 913-7231 Email: af@afonline.org Website: www.afonline.org