Volunteers of Best Buddies Philippines were first trained by International staff in February of 2014. Through the umbrella organization of Unilab Foundation, under Project Inclusion, Best Buddies Philippines offered both Friendship and Leadership Programs in schools and for Citizens. From two friendship chapters and two ambassadors, Best Buddies Philippines has expanded to 11 chapters and 30 ambassadors. Finally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in November of 2020, Best Buddies Philippines Foundation Inc. is currently seeking their PCNC status.

BBP has plans to launch the Jobs Program before the end of 2022. Through partnerships fostered in the community and with corporations, we continue to further our mission of inclusion through fun, enriching one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without IDD. By providing opportunities for our leaders and individuals who are ready for employment, we are empowering our beneficiaries through a multi-faceted approach to inclusion.

Best Buddies Philippines Foundation Inc. is accredited by Best Buddies International.

Мission

To establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, inclusive living, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Who We Serve

The community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.

Programs

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.

Secures jobs for people with IDD, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and support themselves.

BESTBUDDIES^® Jobs
This program allows people with IDD to acquire the skills to speak in public, but also to gain the self-esteem and confidence to carry out advocacy and advocacy, as well as those of their peers and peers. Best Buddies, within local communities, businesses and administrations.

Educates and empowers people with and without IDD, to be leaders, public speakers, and advocates.

BESTBUDDIES^® Ambassadors
This program allows people with IDD to acquire the skills to speak in public, but also to gain the self-esteem and confidence to carry out advocacy, as well as those of their peers, within local communities, businesses, and administrations.

Michelle Aventajado
Executive Director

BOARD MEMBERS:
Josenino Aventajado
Board Director

Jessica Malca
Best Buddies Philippines Ambassador and Board Member

Jocelyn Gonzales
Treasurer

Neva Santos
Corporate Secretary

Pia Guanio-Mago
Board Member

Jennifer Lagasca
Board Member

Angeli Sj Daza
Board Member

Dr. Joel Lazaro
Board Member

Program Managers and Faculty Advisors:
Cathy Cham
North Citizens Chapter, Program Manager

Jennifer Lagasca
Asurion, Program Manager

Maureen Leuterio
De La Salle Santiago Zobel School Faculty Advisor

Quennie Yang
British School Manila Faculty Advisor

Hannah Villafuerte
The Vanguard Academy Faculty Advisor

Eleanor Marie Bahrami Hessari
UST Guild of Thomasian Speducators (Promotional Chapter) Faculty Advisor

Bunny Joaquin
Shine Special Education Center, Inc. Faculty Advisor

Martin Romero
De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Faculty Advisor

Carmelo Calago
San Lorenzo Ruiz Elementary School Faculty Advisor

Jo-Ann Reyes
The Nazareth School Faculty Advisor

Sheryll Reyna
Brightwoods School Faculty Advisor

Best Buddies Philippines Part-Time Staff:
Beryl Eguia
General Manager

Patricia Torralba
Graphic Artist and Social Media Manager

Francine Campos
Project Manager and Internship Supervisor