History of Best Buddies in the Philippines
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.

One-To-One Friendships
Builds friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion.
BESTBUDDIES® Middle Schools, Colleges, High Schools and Universities
This initiative is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse school environment for people with IDD, at a time in their lives when social and emotional development play a critical role.
BESTBUDDIES® Citizens
Supports the development of friendships between adults with and without IDD in corporate and civic communities. Many people with IDD have limited opportunities for social interactions after they leave the school environment. This program helps people with IDD become part of mainstream society and creates an inclusive and diverse community for all.

Integrated Employment (SOON)
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.

Leadership Development
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.
Donations
All donations collected on behalf of Best Buddies Philippines will be allocated to support Best Buddies Philippines’ nationwide operations:
- Operating Cost
- Staff Salary
- Best Buddies Philippines Merchandise
- Marketing & Promotion
- Event Management
- To expand and promote the Best Buddies mission.
Impact
23
BEST BUDDIES PHILIPPINES
VOLUNTEERING TEAM/STAFF
(Recent)
11
TOTAL
CHAPTERS*
*from 2015-2021
30
BEST BUDDIES PHILIPPINES
AMBASSADORS*
*from 2015-2021
3,252
TOTAL VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS*
*in 2021
32,520
TOTAL IMPACTED*
*in 2021
Best Buddies Philippines Team
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