ABOUT US

PAGA, established in 1921 by Governor General Leonard Wood, was tasked with safeguarding and supporting Filipino-American children. Over the years, PAGA has expanded its services, guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees committed to enhancing the lives of its beneficiaries. As PAGA looks to the future, it aims to offer even more educational and employment opportunities to youth. However, these endeavors rely on contributions from the community.

With a small team comprising two social workers and office staff, PAGA operates efficiently. Our volunteer Board of Trustees provides essential guidance, while our funding primarily comes from membership dues, donations, and sponsorships of our services.

PAGA’S HISTORY

PAGA’s 100-Year History Milestones

  • 1913: The American Mestizo Protective Association is founded to assist abandoned or destitute part-American children in the Philippines within the first fifteen years of US colonial presence.
  • 1920s: PAGA’s early founders witnessed the challenges faced by the 18,000 Filipino American mestizos in the colony by the early 1920s, prompting efforts to garner government and charitable support.
  • 1921: The Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA) is officially founded with a mandate to protect and care for needy Filipino Amerasian children fathered by American military or civilian men.
  • 1922-present: Over the past 100 years, PAGA has stayed true to its original charter, evolving its activities to provide vital services to beneficiaries. The Board of Trustees remains committed to improving the lives of Filipino Amerasian children.
  • Future Plans: PAGA envisions opportunities for education and employment for its youth as it expands its roster of beneficiaries. Plans include extending services beyond Metro Manila to provinces like Pampanga, Zambales, and Palawan, reflecting a commitment to reach more lives.
  • Ongoing Commitment: PAGA’s journey continues, fueled by a century of dedication and the support of a caring community. The organization is a steadfast ally for the well-being of Filipino Amerasian children.

VISION, MISSION, GOALS

VISION

To be a dynamic and responsive organization dedicated to serving underprivileged Filipino Amerasian children by enabling them to live life to the fullest and to become independent, productive, and responsible members of Filipino society.

MISSION

To build the intellectual ability, personality, and productive skills of underprivileged Filipino Amerasian children and accompany them on their journey to becoming meaningful, respected, and actively participating members of society.

GOALS

To develop an integrated program for education, health care, social protection, psychological development, and opportunities for economic productivity of our beneficiaries and their families to liberate them from social discrimination and the cycle of generational poverty.

CORE VALUES

PAGA exists to serve the needs of its beneficiaries. To do this, we have defined four core values:

Integrity

PAGA’s dealings with beneficiaries, partner NGOs, employees, suppliers, and donors are conducted with professionalism and ethical standards. We exhibit honesty at all times.

Transparency

We are an “open book” because openness and communication are crucial to fostering organizational trust. We strive to provide all information required for collaboration, cooperation, and collective decision-making by all relevant stakeholders.

Empathy

Empathy underlies a “people first” philosophy and is one of the key elements of creating social impact. PAGA’s purpose as a social welfare agency is to understand the needs of our beneficiaries and help them improve their lives and become productive members of society.

Responsiveness

We strive to satisfy the needs of our beneficiaries in both a timely and thorough manner. Over time, we aim to better foresee these needs and to improve our processes to deliver services more effectively.

PAGA’S TEAM

LISA KIRCHER

Chairperson

NORLITO V. DOMANTAY

President

JAMES PATRICK CUNNINGHAM III

Vice President

DEANNA H.  BAJAR

Treasurer

BENITO K. TAN

Secretary

TRUSTEES

PHILLIP GO APOSTOL

ETHAN FLOWERS

STAFF

GILLIAN Y. CORTES

Executive Director

RORYVIE M. ILUMIN, RSW

Social Welfare Officer

AXIL C. YABUT

Administrative Support Staff

GOVERNMENTS LICENSES

DSWD License to Operate – Registration No.: DSWD-SB-R-00006-2023; License No.: DSWD-SB-L-00007-2023

DSWD Certificate of Registration – Registration N.: DSWD-SB-R-00006-2023

DSWD Authority/Solicitation Permit No.: DSWD-SB-SP-00048-2023

BUREAU of INTERNAL REVENUE – Certificate of Registration  000-803-096-000

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION – Registration No.: PW00000911