Virlanie Foundation Marks 33rd Anniversary, Reaffirming Its Mission to Uplift Vulnerable Children

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With over 22,000 lives touched, Virlanie Foundation, founded by Kuya Dominique Lemay, celebrates 33 years of impactful work. The anniversary event, honoring long-serving staff and dedicated supporters, reinforced the foundation’s call for sustained involvement to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Discover how a small act of kindness can change a child’s life forever.

PRESS RELEASE

Virlanie Foundation reaffirms its mission to uplift vulnerable Filipino children on its 33rd Anniversary

With thousands of children helped through its programs over three decades, Virlanie reinforces its call to support marginalized children and strengthen long-term involvement in its mission.

Manila, Philippines — With over 22,000 young lives touched, the Virlanie Foundation, Inc., a non-profit and non-sectarian organization, marked its 33rd anniversary with a celebration that honored its legacy of service and reaffirmed its mission to support vulnerable children in the Philippines.

The event also coincided with the 75th birthday of its founder, French social worker Dominique Lemay, more fondly known as Kuya Dominique, who established the foundation in 1992 to provide care, protection, and opportunities to children living on the streets of Metro Manila.

“For 33 years, we’ve seen how love, compassion, and consistent support can change lives,” Lemay said. “Do small things. Do something for the children of Virlanie. I cannot do it alone, but together, we can change lives.”

Since its founding, Virlanie has helped disadvantaged children through a range of programs focused on child protection, education, family reunification, and community empowerment. Today, the foundation continues to focus on sustainable solutions that aim to prevent the cycle of intergenerational poverty among marginalized families.

The anniversary celebration included a Service Awarding Ceremony honoring long-serving staff members for their years of dedication to the foundation’s mission. Among those recognized was Ferdinand Cellona, Street Education Lead of Virlanie’s Street Program, who has been with the foundation for two decades.

“Every child on the street has a story and a dream. For 20 years, I’ve walked beside them to remind them they are not forgotten. With Virlanie, we make sure no child is left behind,” said Cellona. “As street educators, our role is to be trusted kuyas and ates they can turn to. We listen, support them in finding solutions, help guide their decisions, and refer those who choose to leave street life to shelters and care facilities.”

One of Virlanie’s newest supporters, Jakob Walland, who has sponsored the education and development of 42 children, shared his perspective on the foundation’s work.

“If a child gains an education or a skill, they can help themselves and their families. That is what Virlanie makes possible. Giving is easy for donors like me, but the real gift is the time, heart, and everyday effort that the foundation gives,” Walland said.

The event included musical performances by Virlanie Voices, the foundation’s children’s choir, and renowned Filipino singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan.

Virlanie’s programs continue to serve children in residential care, children with special needs, and youth undergoing reintegration. The foundation also works closely with communities to help families become self-reliant and prevent child abandonment or neglect.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize the work ahead,” Lemay said. “Our mission continues as thousands of children still face daily challenges without access to basic care and a safe home.”

The anniversary event held on July 26 was supported by Raffles and Fairmont Makati, represented by Mr. Nikko Matias, Cluster Director for Talent & Culture, as a Platinum Sponsor; Hacket Security Group as the Gold Sponsor; and Uniquecorn Strategies, Inc. as the media partner. The celebration was also graced by the family and friends of Kuya Dominique, along with the board of trustees, sponsors, partners, and Virlanie staff.

“Stories like Virlanie’s remind us why purpose-driven work matters. At Uniquecorn, we’re proud to help shine a light on organizations that create real impact. As a PR-first marketing agency, we believe in using storytelling to build awareness, inspire action, and support those driving meaningful change,” Dean Bernales, CEO, Uniquecorn Strategies, said.

To learn more or support Virlanie Foundation, Inc.’s work, visit www.virlanie.org.

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ABOUT VIRLANIE

Founded in 1992 by French humanitarian Dominique Lemay, Virlanie Foundation, Inc. is a private, non-profit, and non-sectarian organization in the Philippines that supports children in street situations and other marginalized conditions. 

For over three decades, the foundation has helped over 22,000 disadvantaged children and continues to focus on sustainable solutions that prevent intergenerational poverty and promote family and community empowerment.

Benefits

  • Raises awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable Filipino children.
  • Highlights the long-term impact of Virlanie Foundation’s programs, showing how sustained support transforms lives.
  • Celebrates the dedication of the foundation’s founder, staff, and supporters, building trust and community.
  • Encourages direct action by providing clear calls to support the mission through donations, volunteering, or partnerships.
  • Showcases the foundation’s holistic approach to child welfare, including protection, education, and family empowerment.
  • Reinforces Virlanie’s credibility and legitimacy as a long-standing, purpose-driven organization.
  • Inspires potential donors and partners by featuring testimonials from supporters and staff.
  • Demonstrates the power of collaboration through partnerships with corporate sponsors and media.
  • Educates the public on the critical need for solutions that address intergenerational poverty.
  • Builds a sense of hope and possibility by sharing stories of transformed lives and ongoing dedication.

Insights

  • The longevity of Virlanie (33 years) signifies a deep-rooted commitment and proven track record in child welfare.
  • Founder Dominique Lemay’s philosophy, “Do small things,” makes the call to action accessible and empowering for potential supporters.
  • Street educators like Ferdinand Cellona are crucial, acting as trusted figures (“kuyas and ates”) who provide immediate support and a pathway to a better life.
  • The perspective of a donor like Jakob Walland highlights that while financial contributions are easy, the true value lies in the long-term, everyday effort of the foundation’s staff.
  • Virlanie’s focus has evolved from immediate street aid to sustainable solutions that prevent the cycle of poverty, showcasing a mature and strategic approach.
  • The inclusion of children’s performances (Virlanie Voices) and well-known artists (Jose Mari Chan) adds an emotional and celebratory element to the event.
  • Corporate sponsors, like Raffles and Fairmont Makati, and media partners, like Uniquecorn Strategies, play a vital role in amplifying the foundation’s message and impact.
  • The foundation serves as a critical bridge, connecting at-risk children with care facilities and opportunities they would otherwise lack.
  • Virlanie’s work goes beyond residential care to include community empowerment, recognizing that family and community support are key to a child’s well-being.
  • The anniversary serves not just as a retrospective but as a forward-looking reaffirmation of the mission, acknowledging the ongoing need for support.

Conclusion

As Virlanie Foundation celebrates its 33rd anniversary, it honors a remarkable legacy of compassion and impact while reaffirming its urgent mission to uplift vulnerable Filipino children. From the dedication of its founder to the tireless efforts of its street educators and the generosity of its supporters, Virlanie has consistently shown how consistent support and a holistic approach can transform lives. This milestone serves as a powerful reminder that while much has been achieved, the work continues, and with renewed commitment, together, we can ensure every child has a chance at a safe and hopeful future.

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