A Letter From Our President
The Bata Foundation began in the Philippines in 1991 by a group of friends who shared a vision-- this vision was to create a place where orphaned children could go to find shelter and be cared for away from the negative influences of life on the streets. Through dedication, unwavering commitment, and a little bit of fate, the founders' dream slowly but surely became a reality. After a couple of years operating unofficially with few resources, learning the ropes along the way, the Bata Foundation Orphanage officially opened its doors in 2000 taking in a total of 44 children. In 2005 the orphanage moved to an abandoned textile factory in Marikina that was donated by one of the founding members.
“Tita Cris and Tita Mommy always support me and inspire me to move forward.” -Mary, 23
After a few more years of barely scraping by with donations, the BATA Foundation caught the attention of a nearby company, Armscor, which happened to be leasing the same land on which the orphanage resided. One of the company's female executives noticed the orphanage located just a stones throw away, behind the factory; that year, she decided that she would celebrate her birthday with the children. This gesture of kindness blossomed into a full-fledged relationship over the years between Armscor and the BATA Foundation. Upon hearing of the founders' mission, vision, and lack of financial assistance, the company's CEO, pledged to take the orphanage under their wings providing whatever financial support was needed; Armscor, to this day, is the main benefactor to the foundation and the largest source of volunteers.
In 2015, BATA Foundation was granted non-profit status by the United States Federal Government under provision 501(c)(3). It is here in the United States, the most generous and giving of all nations, where we wish to collaborate with like-minded individuals and companies interested and moved by our cause, to fundraise, and support the girls in our orphanage, as well as expand our services to be able to help more abandoned children- boys and girls- who need our care.
Additionally, The Bata Foundation through the hands of its wonderful volunteers, has taken on the vital role of providing disaster relief operations throughout the Philippines, packing and distributing aid to those affected by natural disasters such as typhoons and flooding which unfortunately are routine occurrences in the Philippines. We have been able to raise funds for aid distribution and medical missions following typhoons such as: Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009, Falcon (Meari) in 2011, Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, and Koppu (Lando) in 2015 just to name a few. Through the help of all of our generous donors, and selfless volunteers, we continually strive to be the hands that help the poor.
Sincerely,
Camille Tuason, President