MDF Takes Part in the 47th Association of Foundations (AF) General Assembly

• 2nd Oct 2019

Muntinlupa Development Foundation (MDF) participated in the 47th Associations of Foundation General Assembly last April 29-30 at the Batangas Ballroom, Lima Park Hotel, Malvar, Batangas.

MDF President Ms. Rosario Teresa Delos Santos attended the general assembly.

Ms. Gisela Tiongson, Executive Director of Jollibee Group Foundation, opened the session on Building an Ecosystem for Social Good by defining an ecosystem aside from its scientific meaning as people, organizations, and communities coming together in a collaborative system to achieve social impact. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) are not alone. NGOs can tap, collaborate, and partner with the government, private/business sectors, and its fellow Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Ms. Love Gregorie Perez, Director at Xchange, an industry-agnostic impact investor, and incubator for early-stage social enterprise in the Philippines, asserted that NGOs must recognize the diversity within everyone. These differences, when converged, shall create spaces, create trust, and create cross-pollination for social good.

Further, Ms. Amy Melissa Chua, Engagement and Communications Manager of the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc, introduced KINDer, a crowd-funding donations campaign that inspires people to connect and maximize the use of technology for kindness and social good.

After the talks, attending organizations and foundations proceed to their respective Regional Meetings.

The second day of the assezmbly began with a discussion on Breaking Paradigms, Charting New Directions. Two NGO leaders of different generations talked and reflected on the leadership challenges in responding to changing times. They were Mr. Ernesto Garilao, President of the Zuellig Family Foundation and Ms. Cecile Dominguez-Yujuico, Founder and CEO of Evident, an integrated marketing communications firm that helps challengers and changemakers succeed in today’s complex communications environment.

AF stays true to its mission of enabling its member foundations to develop sustainable programs that serve their communities. It is committed to the constant growth and professionalism of its member foundations in their efforts to improve the quality of human life.