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About Us
Together in the Spirit of “Bayanihan”
For 30+ years, ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. (AFI) has been a committed public service advocate in the Philippine society, with the goal of empowering communities. We do this through our major advocacies: Disaster Management (Sagip Kapamilya), Child Rights and Development (Bantay Bata 163), Education (Programa Genio), Environment (Bantay Kalikasan), and Livelihood and Social Entrepreneurship (GaLing Pamayanan).
Child in a box: ABS-CBN Network’s nightly news program “TV Patrol” began airing a segment called Lingkod Bayan, which was open to audience calls. Numerous calls reporting child abuse started ringing in.
One story was that of an 8-year-old boy named Jessie – who was left in a box, underneath a kitchen sink, his hands bound, his body contorted. The news department assigned a committee to rescue Jessie and as they say, “the rest is history”. With the support of the late Chairman and founder of the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network, Geny Lopez, the ABS-CBN Foundation was formed.
Crossing the borders: ABS-CBN Foundation International (AFI International) was founded in 1994, when the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network went beyond its borders to find a home in California. With 8 people and headed by Conchita Lopez Taylor, AFI International began its operations. The Filipino Channel (TFC) was also launched – giving an avenue to connect with Filipino Americans through US cable televisions and satellite TV, and now on other digital platforms.
AFI, be it in the Philippines or International, champions our advocacies via multi-sectoral partnerships in the spirit of “Bayanihan” – a Filipino word denoting the spirit of communal unity. In line with this, we ensure that the projects we deliver support the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We contribute to the following SDGs:
A Legacy of Service: AFI’s History
1989
AFI was founded
With the support of the late Chairman and founder of the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network, Geny Lopez, the ABS CBN Foundation was formed.
1994
Pioneered Education
AFI pioneered Education through Multimedia (E-Media)
1997
Advocates for Child Welfare
Bantay Bata 163 was founded (to protect disadvantaged children)
1998
Advocates for the Environment
Bantay Kalikasan was founded to address environmental concerns
1999
Advocates for La Mesa Watershed
Bantay Kalikasan initiated the Save the La Mesa Watershed campaign
2004
Advocates for Disaster Relief
Sagip Kapamilya was founded to immediately aid in disaster relief operations
2009
Advocates for Pasig River
Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) was initiated to restore the Pasig River one tributary at a time
2012
Evolution of Programa Genio
E-Media evolved to Programa Genio, focusing on various educational programs
2013
AFI Responds to Typhoon Yolanda
Typhoon Yolanda hits and AFI becomes one of the major responders – from immediate relief to long-term rebuilding of affected communities
2019
Gina Lopez Passes
Gina Lopez, internationally recognized environmentalist, philanthropist and long-serving Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of AFI, passes away
2020
AFI Responds to Covid
AFI responds to the pandemic through the Pantawid ng Pag-Ibig and Tulong-Tulong sa Pag-Ahon campaigns
2021
New Managing Director Appointed
Roberta Lopez-Feliciano appointed as Managing Director to continue leading the Foundation in the new era of public service
Vision
Our vision is to become the Philippines’ most trusted foundation where partners can work together for the common good of our nation.
Mission
Our mission is to holistically transform the lives of Filipinos by protecting the children, enriching the environment, and building resilient communities through media and strong advocacy partnerships.
Our Impact Because of YOU
years of consistent and relevant public service
at-risk children and families helped
learners engaged through E-TV and education programs
families assisted in rebuilding their lives post-disaster
trees cared for
Our Values
Compassion
No one gets left behind. We will be there when people need us
Integrity
We serve our beneficiaries and partners with unwavering respect and honesty
Excellence
We conduct ourselves to the highest standards of excellence and expect the same from our partners
Accountability
We are committed to transparency to ensure our actions help the less privilege
Service Orientation
We don’t turn away from those in need and we serve with joy for our Kapamilya
Empowerment
We support our Kapamilya by creating opportunities for sustainable transformation
The People Behind AFI
AFI works with hardworking and passionate individuals to help amplify the reach and sustainability of our advocacies.