Dear Fellow Alumni, Volunteers, and Friends of AFS

This is a big year for AFS! We celebrate 60 years of AFS worldwide and 50 years in the Philippines.

For 23 years, from 1956 to 1979, over 1000 Philippine students went on AFS scholarships. Unfortunately, the official program ceased operations in the country for 26 years even though it continued to be active worldwide. Fortunately, many determined alumni kept the AFS spirit alive during this period of hibernation. We owe them a lot.

With tremendous help from our friends in the United States and Japan, AFS Philippines was reborn 4 years ago with scholars sent to Japan. Today, our embryonic organization is gaining strong momentum in generating alumni re-commitment, awareness, volunteerism, and community support. A very active board has been elected and hardworking communities have been formed. We have also established good links with AFS partners worldwide and now have active programs with 22 countries.

But so much remains to be done. We will need active support from alumni and volunteers.

Now, more than ever, AFS needs your help to continue changing the world….for peace…through our youth.

Happy Anniversary. Mabuhay!!

Bonnie Bagis-Guerra
Batch 15, Oklahoma, USA
President, AFS Returnees Foundation Philippines