Joseph Alvin Tibudan Executive Vice President, Filipino Charities of North America, Inc.

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Filipino Charities of North America, (FCNA) Inc. is based in Michigan, and was founded on a mission to provide impoverished areas of the Philippines, with desperately needed medical supplies, medication, food, clean water and seeds.

In June 2012, a Filipina married to an American national passed away after years of battling with cancer. Marcelina Serdenia was a loving wife, a hardworking nurse, and a caring sister to her family back in the Philippines. Her husband, Joe Dahme, wanted to keep his promise to Marcelina to continue to inspire “by giving something of yourself to others.” This is how FCNA started – from a humble charity work within their immediate family, their commitment blossomed into helping Filipino communities both here and abroad.

Since its inception, FCNA has provided assistance to areas in the Philippines that have been devastated by typhoons, hurricanes, mudslides and other natural disasters. Additionally, the organization has sent our financial assistance to Filipino students who are struggling to get through college, so that they may better their lives, help support their families and contribute to their communities. Under certain circumstances of great need, FCNA also offers assistance to Filipino individuals residing in the United States who are facing great hardship.

FCNA operates out of the State of Michigan and are Incorporated in the State of Delaware. It is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions to Filipino Charities of North America, Inc. are fully tax deductible. With your continued support – no matter how small or large – FCNA will be able to assist those Filipinos in the greatest need. Your generous donation will be greatly appreciated, and you will receive a tax deduction receipt for any contribution. Anyone can access their website to make their donation by logging in fcnausa.org.

“Motivated by the love of Jesus Christ to assist the poor and vulnerable in the Philippines and in the US, FCNA is committed to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Christian social and moral teaching, as we act to promote human development by responding to major emergencies, fight disease and poverty, and educate, while nurturing the health & nutrition needs of the children.” Part of the mission of the FCNA is working with local, national and international institutions or organizations, to further achieve its mission.

FCNA’s beneficiaries for its monetary contributions include GMA Kapuso Foundation, Catholic Relief Services US, and the Philippine National Red Cross. Donations in kind have been sent to the Red Cross-Iloilo Chapter.

In 2013, Joseph Alvin Tibudan joined FCNA as its Executive Vice President. Joseph is from Iloilo, Philippines. He has partnered with Joseph Saab to publish and circulate the first Filipino American Directory of Michigan in 2007.This project is a testament to Alvin’s commitment to the new role of the global Filipino. Filipino service providers and professionals have become more aware of their community.

With other community leaders, Alvin also founded the Philippine Chamber of Commerce of Michigan, which serves to foster the new role of Filipino American professionals, businesses & service providers, presenting the best of the Filipino community.

Alvin’s efforts in supporting the Filipino business community and Filipino Charities of North America has served as a constant reminder to him of where he came from, and the importance of having a united front for the Filipino community.

Alvin believes that despite the ever-changing facets of economic and political tides, the Filipino community has to endure to bring about renewed leadership among its professionals and businesses, as an inspiration to all. Alvin believes that success is not the measure of things in life – nor titles or accolades to earn – but a happy well-being in whatever state of life you are in, and being always ready to serve God’s children, starting with your very own family.