International Bazaar Foundation Lays Groundwork for an Impactful 2023
PASAY CITY 13 April 2023 – The International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (IBF) headed by its Chairperson, Mme. Pamela Louise Manalo, had a fruitful beginning of the year as it undertook several activities focused on strengthening collaboration and partnerships in the first quarter of 2023.
Meeting of the IBF Board of Trustees
On 9 February 2023, the IBF Board of Trustees held its General Meeting in which Mme. Manolo thanked the Board and the whole team for ensuring the successful return of the International Bazaar held on 20 November 2022. Participants included IBF Vice-Chairperson Consul Helen Ong, IBF President Betty Ang, Treasurer Alice Tesoro-Guerrero, IBF Board Member Rose Marie Villamor, and IBF Executive Director Nora C. Salazar.
During the General Meeting, the Board identified various projects and beneficiaries where the Bazaar proceeds would go. Donations will continue to be given to the IBF scholarship program, Missionaries of Charity, Little Sisters of the Poor, San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly, Carmelite Sisters, Lipa City. New beneficiaries include Channel of Hope Foundation, Inc., Paaralang Pag-Ibig at Pag-Asa, Zonta International, and Dream International Foundation.
The IBF Board also met with several IBF scholars, namely Ms. Cristine Forcado, Ms. Katherine Baldoz, Mr. Nicson Estrada, and Ms. Crystal Grace Cano. The scholars conveyed their appreciation for the scholarship program.
The IBF also recognized the loyal and committed service of IBF Executive Director Nora C. Salazar and Ms. Daisy Villaran, who marked their tenth year with the Foundation.
Continued cooperation with the Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM)
Mme. Manalo and the IBF Board members met with the SHOM Executive Committee led by SHOM President, Mme. Riitta Laakso on 16 February 2023. Reaffirming their shared commitment to making a difference, the two long standing partner organizations took stock of the achievements of the annual International Bazaar and its vital role in fulfilling their respective missions.
Fundraising efforts
Last month, the IBF held a pre-loved sale, a fund-raising activity for its scholarship program, at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The DFA’s Chief Coordinator, Ms. Bernadette Therese Fernandez; IBF President Betty Ang; and DFA Ladies Foundation President, Deputy Assistant Secretary Mary Jennifer Dingal formally opened the fundraiser with a ribbon cutting on 13 March 2023 at the Office of the Secretary-Special Projects Unit (SPU).
Pre-loved items generously donated by the IBF Board of Trustees and supporters were available for sale during the week-long activity. In the spirit of “shop for a cause,” all proceeds will benefit the IBF Scholarship program.
Expanding partnerships
On 27 March 2023, IBF Chairperson Mme. Manalo, IBF Executive Director Nora Salazar, Spark Philippines Executive Director Mikaela Luisa Carmen R. Teves, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane C. Yap and designer Zarah Juan discussed plans for an upcoming partnership/project entitled, “Bag for Life Project”.
Organized in 1966, the IBF is a non-profit and fundraising institutional foundation. Since its inception, it remains committed to its mission of assisting disadvantaged sectors of the population through charitable activities, the IBF has granted more than 500 scholarships, and currently has 55 active scholars. END