93 years of YWCA in the Philippines

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved on February 2019 the change of name of the Young Women’s Christian Association of Manila, Philippine Islands, founded in 1926 by Felicisima Balgos Barza, to YWCA Founder’s Federation of the Philippines, Inc., highlighting the celebration of the 93rd Anniversary of YWCA in the Philippines on October 26, 2019. The anniversary theme is “Young Women Transforming Power Structure.”

With its change of name, nature and outreach of programs and services, the Federation has taken sure and fast-paced steps to widen its leadership base and build Founder’s Chapters by conducting orientation, basic leadership training and planning workshops throughout the country. It now has a vice president for Luzon (north and central, and south), for the youth, for Visayas and for Mindanao. Thirty thousand women and girls, with males as associates, being developed in body, mind and spirit, is envisioned to be Federation members by 2026, the YWCA’s centennial in the Philippines.

The two-day 93rd Anniversary program, to be held on October 5 and 26 at the Federation’s Hube Hall, will consist of a medical-dental mission, a Thanksgiving Mass, unveiling of the Federation Marker, induction of officers, and a fellowship night. Immediately, countdown to the YWCA centennial begins.

The Board of Trustees of the YWCA Founder’s Federation of the Philippines, Inc. is composed of Juanita A. Ferido, president; Josephine J. Francisco, executive vice president; Dr. Jesusa P. Caraig, vice president for North and Central Luzon; Virginia M. Peralta, vice president for NCR and South Luzon; Crystal Anne J. Francisco, vice president for youth; Myra A. Doncila, vice president for Visayas; Lorna M. Deles, vice president for Mindanao; Dr. Angelica R. Abella, corporate secretary; Claudine Yvette A. Talaran, assistant corporate secretary; Felisa S. Sy, treasurer; Adelaida C. Hernandez, assistant treasurer; Erlinda J. Valdez, auditor; Dr. Nona S. Ricafort, public relations officer; Ronalyn M. Clarete, young woman to the Board; Dr. Cindy Dollente Ang, president of council of advisers; Atty. Karla J. Deles- Geli and Atty. Diane Ancheta- Lim, legal counsels; Arlene L. Jacobo, Dr. Mariquita N. Mendoza and Marigold R. Gestupa, trustees.