Contact:
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
WHAT started twenty-two years ago as a small, informal gathering evolved into a bonafide civic organization in Southern California. Ten former residents of the city of Mandaluyong decided to form a club.
It held its first meeting in the summer of 1989. Two years later this group was officially named. The founders called themselves Mandaluyong Civic Group of Southern California, familiarly known as Mandacal.
In 1992, the first president was elected. Along with the other Mandacal officers, it initiated voluntary services for their hometown back in the Philippines. Mandacal has elected 10 presidents, each of whom served a two-year term, except for one who served for two terms. Through the years, membership grew from a handful to over 200. Members not only come from California but also from different parts of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.
For 22 years, Mandacal took on numerous projects aimed to help the citizens of Mandaluyong: musical instruments donated to aspiring high school band members, Bigay-Bigas for the needy, monetary assistance to retired members of the Mandaluyong police force and donation of marching band uniforms. The organization formulated its mission statement, adopted its bylaws and articles of incorporation, and in 2002 registered with the State of California as a non-profit organization.
Also in 2002, Mandacal took on the most ambitious project of all, the Scholarship Program. Poor but deserving youth were selected from various high schools in Mandaluyong. Awards were given in the form of 4 to 5-year scholarships to 2 universities in the Philippines, namely, Rizal Technological University (RTU) and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). This long range project started with 3 scholars. Presently, 18 young men and women are reaping the benefits of free full tuition, personal monetary allowance, and full commitment from Mandacal. In return, Mandacal is rewarded by the academic excellence these scholars demonstrate. Since its inception, the Scholarship Committee and the organization, as a whole, had seen 7 scholars receive degrees in their chosen profession – 4 engineers, 3 accountants, and a nurse. The most recent graduate, John dela Cruz of PUP, made the top ten list of the Certified Public Accountancy Examination, taking the coveted 8th place among 8000 CPA examinees in 2010. All 7 former scholars are currently employed in their respective field and have made a commitment to give back by following in the footsteps of their benefactors.
In keeping with its mission of giving and helping, Mandacal supports other projects. Elementary schools in Mandaluyong also benefit from the organization’s benevolence. Through its Computer Literacy Program, new computers were donated to at least 2 elementary schools. The Books for Life project had already given over 2000 copies of brand new dictionary to 3rd graders in 5 different schools. The Project Give supports local charities, such as the American Red Cross, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The LA Midnight Mission, and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Charity, through organized Toy Drives and Food Drives.
The officers and members of Mandacal volunteer their time and, in some cases, their money, to make the various fundraising activities successful. Ongoing activities, such as Casino Turnaround Trips, Yard Sale, Bowling Tournaments. Dinner Dances, and Christmas Caroling, contribute to a robust coffer that ensures viability of the different projects that Mandacal supports.
Under the leadership of its newest (11th) president, Mandacal looks forward to continued success in achieving its mission.
Mission statement
Education – The primary goal of Mandacal is to help the less privileged high school graduates of Mandaluyong City achieve college education by offering four to five years scholarship grants to deserving and qualified students.
Medical – Mandacal aims to help health centers that are geographically connected to members of the association by providing multi-vitamins mainly to children.
Monetary Assistance – The association will help with monetary contributions to other organizations and institutions.
Cultural Heritage – To preserve, renew and revitalize the cultural heritage of the Filipino people.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
