T he year 2008 has been a great year for us and our partner Philippine non-profit organizations, thanks to your generosity and kindness. You did not let the distance stop you from reaching out to those in need. This year, we raised almost $2.3 million, the highest level ever achieved by AF-USA. The funds raised have supported more than 70 projects in the country  - in education, health, livelihood and enterprise development, migration and development, art and culture, and disaster relief.

As you celebrate Christmas with your loved ones, we hope you will remember the many Filipinos who have yet to experience even the smallest of blessings. Many still remain illiterate, go to bed hungry, are homeless and jobless. We hope that, in the spirit of giving that is Christmas, you might once again consider a donation to your favorite charity in the Philippines.  We will be honored to assist you in your unceasing efforts at helping the Filipino poor.

The road ahead is fraught with challenges. The financial crisis has spilled over into every country in the world, including the Philippines. No one has been spared. The poor and low income families are however hardest hit.

We will not be spared. Effective January 1, 2009, we will be increasing our service fees from 3% to 5%. Our e-bulletins will be released bi-monthly and our annual reports will be put on CDs rather than printed to save on costs and on trees. It will also be uploaded onto our website. We are testing an open source software for donor-management purposes. We are undertaking many other initiatives to improve our services to you and to our partner NGOs by working harder and smarter.

As we navigate through a difficult year, we trust that you will continue to share our passion in helping our underprivileged brothers and sisters. If we are hurting, they may be in greater pain.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and staff of AF-USA, we wish you and your family a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Sincerely yours,

VICTORIA P. GARCHITORENA
President

Ayala Foundation USA!