As a non-profit, non-government organization; Volunteer for the Visayans does not distribute surplus funds to shareholders; as a result Volunteer for the Visayans is not owned by anyone. Instead Volunteer for the Visayans is governed by a close working relationship between it’s Board of Trustees, Founder and staff. Listed below is information on important people who have helped shape the organization into what it is today.
Founder
Troy Peden founded VFV in 1994, known formerly as Building Hope. The project took its current form in 2004 when it was registered locally as Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV). VFV has been funded over the years in part by the GoAbroad Foundation a non-profit arm of Troy’s company GoAbroad.com. Troy has a graduate degree from the University of Colorado in International Studies and was drawn originally to the Philippines as a volunteer. “I was intrigued by the colonial Spanish influence and the Asian cultural heritage. Every volunteer experiences the amazing hospitality of the Philippines as well as the diverse cultural influences. The needs are as overwhelming as they were 20 years ago, VFV does an incredible job alleviating those needs in the Visayan Islands.” The model of fiscal sustainability through volunteers and donations, the community buy in and cultural sustainability via the community centers and the emphasis on children, health and education has developed into a unique model of NGO sustainability which has been reintroduced in many NGOs around the world.
Board President
Richard Gamez Dico – Richard grew up in Tabon-Tabon, Leyte, Philippines. He graduated from Eastern Visayas State University with a degree in Industrial Education. An active community member, Richard has worked as a barangay official in his hometown and also served as a Volunteer Coordinator for VFV for 6 months. Still very much committed to VFV’s mission. He is now a secondary education teacher. Currently, Richard is pursuing his post graduate in Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling at Eastern Visayas State University.
Board Vice-President
Princess Marie Coronado Almanza – Princess is from Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines. She graduated from the College of Maasin with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She handled our Community Program as our Community Coordinator. She handled the different projects under the program. Nutrition, Adopt a School, Boys and Girls Club, Juniors Club, Laura’s Craft and Mothers Club. At the moment, she is a registered nurse with the government. She is now our Board Vice-President.
Board Secretary
Judelito Bersoza – Jude is from Tacloban City, Philippines. He graduated from University of the Philippines, Tacloban with a degree of Bachelor of Business Administration Major in Management. He also graduated from DVOREF with a degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was our Volunteer Coordinator for 5 years. Currently, he is with the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission and our Board of Secretary.
________________________________________________________________________
Board Treasurer
Ma. Celeste Marilla –