:::::::::: Child and Family Service Philippines,Inc. ::::::::::


	Honoring the Past, Pioneering the Future


	Consuelo Zobel Alger

	In 1986, when Rose and Tom Churma decided to adopt a Filipino child through Child and Family Service, Hawaii, their telephone inquiry was inadvertently routed to the organization’s President, Patti Lyons. Rose mentioned she was from the Philippines, and this sparked Patti’s interest, as she was looking to expand CFS services to the Pacific Rim. Rose and Tom subsequently introduced her to Danny Urquico, a volunteer who worked with youth at risk in the Philippines. This meeting triggered a series of conversations that led to the creation of Child and Family Service, Philippines in October 1987. That same year CFSPI opened its first program, a residential center for street children in Baguio.



	In its infancy CFSPI struggled for funding. Patti spent much of her time trying to raise resources in Hawaii, with little success. One day she was invited to the home of Consuelo Zobel Alger, a wealthy Filipina who had retired in Hawaii, to discuss the Baguio shelter. Impressed by that meeting, Consuelo became CFSPI’s main benefactress. Consuelo found her inspiration in the children she was helping. In an act of extraordinary grace she endowed her entire wealth to a new foundation that now bears her name. Her legacy continues to touch the lives of thousands of abused and exploited children and women in the Philippines through the good work of Consuelo Foundation.

	As CFSPI marks two decades of service to the children and families in the Cordillera, we remember our history with both pride and humility. We honor Consuelo and remember her gentle compassion, her conviction and courage, and her legacy of hope. We honor Patti Lyons and thank her for providing us with her vision and leadership this last 20 years. We honor all the members of our board, past and present, whose collective wisdom guided CFSPI through many challenging times. We recognize the collective efforts of our staff, volunteers, partners and consultants whose commitment and dedication made it possible for all of us to “spend our heaven doing good on earth”.

	We are grateful to our many donors whose generosity has allowed us to break new ground and expand our reach. Most of all, we remember the children, women and families who have been our inspiration through these many years. They are the most important focus of our existence and give us our reason for being.

	As we create new alliances and reinvigorate our existing partnerships, we will continue to develop and share innovative social technologies and best practices for the benefit of those we serve. CFSPI is now in a unique position to lead the way and help pioneer a brighter future for children, women and families.

	Daniel Urquico and Patti Lyons



	Patti Lyons and Daniel Urquico were recently reelected as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and President of Child and Family Service Philippines, respectively. Norberto, “Bing” Viera, the energetic President of Texas Instruments, Philippines was named Treasurer. Betty Lourdes Tabanda, noted Baguio Lawyer and women’s advocate continues her role as Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel. Other members of the Board include Geri Marullo, Roy Joseph Rafols, Vic Taylor, Lynn Watanabe, Judge Edilberto Claravall, Alex Padilla and Erlinda Cordero. They will be featured in future articles.