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The International Visitor Program - Philippines Alumni Foundation, Inc. also known as IVP-Phils was founded on February 17, 2001 by one hundred eighty-five Filipino participants of the International Visitor Program of the United States of America since the 1960s. The members of the Foundation also include the grantees of the Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. Fellowships on Public Service and Journalism. As of latest account, IVP alumni now number almost six hundred individuals.
The Foundation has adopted its Mission Statement "It Starts with Me" guided by the members' commitment to promote the spirit of volunteerism not only among themselves but in the Philippine community as well.
The Foundation also works in cooperation with the United States Embassy aimed at further enhancing Philippine-American mutual understanding. Moreover, IVP-Phils is engaged in activities for the interest and welfare of the general public through the insights and experiences gained by the members as international visitors to the United States. The members take part in the different projects and undertakings of the Foundation through their active involvement in the various thematic and working groups. This serves as a venue for the members to brainstorm and plan on doable and meaningful projects and activities that will benefit their fellow Filipinos. With the members coming from different spheres of influence and being well respected in their fields, the excellence and professionalism that they exhibit serve as factors as to why the Foundation is successful in its commitment to be an advocate of volunteerism.
The Foundation is being managed by the Board of Trustees through the Secretariat headed by the Executive Director. Moreover, a Council of Advocates has been established to give support and advice to the eleven-member Board. The Board has organized eleven thematic groups that will serve as principal venues for active participation of the members. Likewise, four working groups were activated so as to encourage more active involvement and collaboration among the alumni. These working groups cut across the various thematic groups.
As a way of promoting volunteerism all over the Philippines, The Foundation has also set-up regional or local chapters. These chapters ensure the active participation of IVs living outside Metro Manila. The local groups work and perform their roles that are within the thrust and core values that guide the Foundation.
As prime movers of volunteerism, the members are expected to share their time, effort and resources that would enable the Foundation to achieve its goals. As volunteers and catalysts for change, the members are expected to gain the experience and feel the spirit of "It Starts with Me" as they journey in finding the true meaning of "service to God and fellowmen".
IVP - Phils Cebu City
Chapter |
Dr. Efren Valiente President Ms. Gloria Seno |
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IVP-Phils La Hermosa Zamboanga Chapter |
Hon. Erico Basilio A. Fabian President Vice - Mayor, City of Zamboanga Hon. Milabel Velasquez |
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IVP-Phils Davao City Chapter |
Atty. Hon. Luis Bonguyan President Vice-Mayor, City of Davao Dr. Thelma Ledesma |
Children and Youth Congress
The IVP-Phils Thematic Group on Youth recently organized a Children
and Youth Congress in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Both Congresses oriented
the participants about leadership skills and how to be responsible students
not only in school but also in the community. The Children’s Congress
was participated by Grade 5 elementary student leaders while the Youth
Congress had 3rd year high school leaders. Both Congresses were held
in commemoration of the 17th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution
of 1986 and Birth Anniversary of Zamboanga City Mayor Cesar C. Climaco.
Photos: Sulu Peace, Human Rights and Development Dialogue
Conflict Resolution in Mindanao
The Foundation is currently preparing for the conduct of the Peace Talks
among warring Muslim families in the Province of Sulu, Southern, Philippines.
Moreover, the Foundation was able to get a grant of the $ 7,000 for
the implementation of the project from the United States Embassy. It
has been noted that a number of IVs has volunteered for the realization
of the said project.
H20 (Humanity 2wards Oneness)
Project
The IVP-Phils recently received a grant from the United States Embassy
Manila Small Grants Program for the said project. The project aims to
gather youth from Mindanao to discuss various issues and try to find
ways and means in helping uplift the present condition of the island.
Moreover, there will be consultations by region which will eventually
lead to a grand gathering of the youth of Mindanao. The said project
will be implemented in 2003-2004.
Photos: H2O Regional Encounter - Jolo, Sulu, H2O Regional Encounter - Davao City, H2O Regional Encounter - Zamboanga City