PFCED - News & Stories

PFCED Marks 60 Years of Service and Formation

The Philippine Foundation for Culture and Educational Development, Inc. (PFCED) celebrated its 60th anniversary with a simple yet meaningful gathering that highlighted six decades of building character, shaping culture, and empowering the nation.

One of the first classes conducted in Tanglaw Study Center.

The celebration featured reflections on PFCED's history, testimonies from individuals whose lives have been shaped by its programs, and a renewed commitment to continue its mission for future generations. As PFCED enters its seventh decade, the foundation reaffirms its dedication to fostering character, leadership and service in the lives of the people and communities it supports.

As part of the celebration, PFCED also presented its refreshed brand identity, featuring a modernized logo that reflects the foundation's commitment to growth, clarity of purpose, and service. The new look will bring greater cohesion across its centers, and convey a message that is both clear and uplifting as PFCED steps into a new decade.

OUR HISTORY

Since its establishment in 1965, the Philippine Foundation for Cultural and Educational Development, Incorporated (PFCED) has been committed to supporting the holistic formation of students and young professionals.

Guided by its mission to contribute effectively in providing the country with morally upright citizens who will work towards professional excellence, a growing concern for the social welfare and progress of the underprivileged, having always as a specific goal the development of the genuine cultural, moral and human values of the Filipino people, PFCED integrates cultural, educational, and spiritual development through its various programs and centers.

To ensure the depth and consistency of its Christian formation initiatives, PFCED entrusted the spiritual formation and pastoral care of those who participate in its activities to Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church dedicated to promoting holiness in everyday life.

Opus Dei began its work in the Philippines in 1964, catalyzed by the return of two Harvard alumni, Bernardo Villegas and Jesus Estanislao. Inspired by the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva, they joined three other men to found the PFCED, establishing centers for the formation of students, professionals and families. Currently, these facilities serve as key venues for the organization's talks, retreats, leadership training, and community outreach. The PFCED has two activity centers, four centers for Men, and 13 centers for Women.

Through this enduring collaboration, PFCED and Opus Dei continue to be a seedbed for social change in the community and society through programs deeply grounded on Christian and human values.

WORDS FROM THE VISIONARIES WHO STARTED IT ALL

DR. BERNARDO VILLEGAS

Incorporator

"As I look back to the year 1965 when we, the five incorporators, founded the Philippine Foundation for Cultural and Educational Development, I fully understand what St. Josemaria Escriva used to say 'Dream and your dream will fall short.' It was the holy Founder of Opus Dei who inspired us, when he was still alive, to found this Foundation."

We thought of the Foundation's goal to establish cultural and educational centers for the lifelong and continuing education of university students and professionals, complementing the educational efforts of colleges and universities. All five of us were familiar with similar university residences and cultural centers in the U.S. and Europe where students in universities had an opportunity to widen their knowledge of the humanities and sciences outside of the formal curricula offered in their schools.

The pioneer centers were Maynilad for men and Mayana for women. Today, there are dozens of these centers spread out all over the Archipelago catering to thousands of college and high school students. Because of the present demand of the business and professional world for the constant upskilling, reskilling and retooling of both management and the workforce, the centers under the Philippine Foundation have increasingly been catering to professionals—both young and old—who want to widen their cultural knowledge and their professional skills.

We would like to thank all those who have generously given of their time and financial resources to help in the establishment and operations of the centers under the auspices of the Philippine Foundation, CED.

"We will continue to dream, convinced that our dream will fall short of reality as we celebrate more anniversaries in the future."

ENGR. JOSE RIVERA

Incorporator

"Dear members of the Philippine Foundation for CED, First of all, I would like to reminisce a few facts of the History of Opus Dei in the Philippines: The first Regional Commission of the Work was completed at the end of 1964 and was made up of 6 young numeraries: 2 Priests and 4 laymen. The first center was a house built in the compound of Bernie Villegas' parents in C. Ayala Street, Manila. Saint Josemaria, with a gigantic faith and trust in a bunch of youngsters, sent us to the Philippines with the clear idea that apostolate in Asia, a region so far from Rome, was our mission. At that time our Founder could only provide us with his blessing, an image of our Lady, and his prayers.

The house in C. Ayala soon became inadequate for the growth of the Apostolate. Thus, in the first half of 1965 we rented a bigger house in Florida Street (today Maria Orosa), Malate. And it was there where the Faith of our Founder was again gigantic. After recently having moved to Florida Street, in the first half of 1965, our Founder sent us a brief note telling us that we should start a Conference Center that would be very helpful for the expansion of the apostolate in our country. I recall no one among us thought that what St. Josemaria asking us to do was something impossible.

It was then that Philippine Foundation for CED came about in order to provide a legal entity for the fixed assets that could be offered for the use of the Work's apostolate. It was promoted by members of the Work, and friends that would undertake the financing and construction of the facilities needed. It was decided that the best legal entity would be a Foundation in accord with the country's legislation in force at that time. The Philippine Foundation was incorporated on June 25, 1965.*

60 years are a good anniversary to look back with gratitude and prayers for the people who preceded us and left us after serving the Foundation with faith, courage and spirit of service, and also to look into the future encouraging everyone of you who is actively involved in its management, to continue with the same faith, optimism and spirit of service. Maligayang paglalakbay sa kinabukasan."

*SEC Registration was on November 22, 1965.

MR. PETE DIMACULANGAN

General Manager

"To Our Beloved Board of Trustees, Officers, Staff, Benefactors and Friends of the Philippine Foundation for Cultural and Educational Development, Incorporated. It's indeed a great honor for me have worked with PFCED during the early years of its existence from 1967 to 1981."

It's my heartfelt pleasure to greet all of you as we celebrate a remarkable landmark in the history of the Foundation. Today, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of this notable organization. This anniversary is not just a date on the calendar, it's a testament to the vision, mission, the dedication, and the generous spirit of service of those who believed in making a positive difference in our community and society as a whole.

Construction of the Makiling Conference Center located in Calamba, Laguna.

When the Philippine Foundation was founded 60 years ago, it was driven by a simple but powerful mission: to provide service and facilities to assist students and professionals the educational formation they need for their human, spiritual and professional development.

What started as a small initiative, fueled by the passion and commitment of more individuals, it has since grown into a thriving force for good in our society. And today, thanks to the hard work and generous dedication of countless people – volunteers, donors, staff, and supporters – we have been able to make an impact that goes far beyond what we could have imagined in those early years.

As we reflect on our journey, we celebrate not just the milestones we've achieved, but also the challenges we've overcome. Every step has been a learning experience, and every success has been a collective victory.

However, anniversaries are not only about looking back – they are also about looking forward. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to our mission and the communities we serve. We are driven by the belief that the work we do today will continue to ripple out, creating lasting change and continuing improvement for years to come. With your continued support, we will reach new heights, push the boundaries of what's possible, and expand our efforts to touch even more lives.

So, as we celebrate this excellent milestone, let us also renew our dedication to the values that have guided us from the very beginning: compassion, integrity, spirit of service and a commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Thanks be to God for having given us this continuing life and existence and to all of you for being a vital and an integral part of this existence and celebration. Success is not a destination but a journey. Together, we will continue to make a difference.

"Happy anniversary to all of you, preserve and maintain the passion for excellence and make the mission of The Philippine Foundation, for Cultural and Educational Development, Inc. a true reality and purposeful institution for the years to come."

Together in joy and in Faith!

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, may the quiet wonder of that holy night fill our hearts with renewed faith and deep gratitude.

Christmas reminds us that God chose to come close to us, entering our world with humility, love, and a promise of hope that endures through every season of our lives.

May the light of Christmas shine brightly in your homes and hearts!

PFCED is wishing you and your loved ones a blessed, grace-filled Christmas!

"ALL THE WAYS OF THE EARTH CAN BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET CHRIST"

- ST. JOSEMARÍA -

REFLECTING ON 60 YEARS OF GROWTH, PROGRESS, AND IMPACT

For the past 60 years, the Philippine Foundation for Culture and Educational Development (PFCED) has steadily carried out its mission of formation and service.

The Foundation has helped shape individuals and families by fostering Christian values, personal growth, and professional excellence through catechism sessions, mentoring activities, virtues classes, and practical skills-building activities.

What began as a simple commitment to serve has grown into a lasting work that continues to touch lives, build communities, and form leaders one person, one family, and one generation at a time.

From the beginning until today, outreach activities continue to reflect our sustained commitment to serving those in need, especially those in the peripheries.

Disclaimer: The identities of all individuals in the photos are protected and handled in compliance with PFCED's Data Privacy Policy.

CONTACT US

For inquiries, you may reach us at:

(02) 8817 9957; (02) 8818-6004

pfcedfao@pfced.org

U202 Alexander House. 132 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village Makati City

Regular office hours (Head Office)
7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Mon-Fri)

You may also reach out to:

Maria Sari Magno Executive Director svmagno@pfced.org

Maila Satimbre HR & Admin Concerns masatimbre@pfced.org

Pashie Reyes Accounting & Finance accounting@pfced.org

Leila Lerios Activities (Retreats, Seminars) activities@pfced.org

#BeARippleOfChange

"I came here just looking for skills. What I found was a community that believed in me, challenged me, and taught me how to live with integrity. I would not be the person I am today without PFCED."

This reminds us where PFCED's true legacy lies — not in the buildings, events, or numbers, but in lives quietly transformed, families strengthened, and values carried forward to future generations. This is why we stay, and why we continue.

Join us as we continue this legacy of service and holistic formation for future generations.

#LiveYourCalling #GrowWithPFCED Page 5

Six Decades of Impact: Celebrating PFCED's 60 Years of Formation