2008 - YAFA was founded as Youth AIDS Filipinas Alliance by a group of young Filipinos working on HIV & AIDS issues.

2009 - YAFA was registered as a non-profit organization at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines.

2010 - YAFA Inc. implemented projects on reproductive health and HIV and AIDS with funding from the HIV Young Leaders Fund, and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, educating and reaching out to more than 20,000 young Filipinos on HIV issues across the country and online.

2015 - YAFA recognized the need for a new name and brand for the organization, giving birth to its name Youth Alliance of Filipino Advocates (YAFA) Inc., and widening its scope to work for issues covering health, wellness, and rights.

2019 - YAFA became Y-Alliance of Filipino Advocates (YAFA) Inc., eliminating its age-related restriction to its members and beneficiaries.

volunteering

We welcome volunteers who are passionate to make the difference in the lives of many Filipinos, particularly young people. Find out how to become our partner.

Gilbert Francis 

Our Auditor works in the business sector and has a great sense of humor to uplift us.

Chairman, YAFA Board of Trustees

our leadership team: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Joselito 'Josh' Austria

Our Chief of Public Relation, other than being an entrepeneur, dedicates his time providing care and support to young people when they need them.

Working on young people's issues was supposed to be a short-term commitment, but it became a life-long journey. I'm so fortunate to be able to impact the lives of others, all while partnering with some of the most passionate and driven Filipino advocates and activists on the globe.

ORGANIZAtion History

R-shien Laja, RN
Our Executive Director's Vice-Chairman and Executive Director's background in nursing and modeling helps us reach people one click at at time.

Our founder

Leo Christian Lauzon
Our Associate Secretary ensures we are where people need us. He is passionate in advocating for good policies.

Jubelou Aguirre

Our Chief Financial Officer gives support to young Filipinos and finds a purpose of caring for the sick, and educating young people on sexual health.

Advocating for health, wellness, and rights of Young Filipinos!

John Rex Dongogan

Our Trustee-at-Large works as a nursing assistant providing care to those in need. 

YOUNG PEOPLE'S MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION IS VITAL IN NATION AND GLOBAL BUILDING

Ivar Mocorro, RN

He works on Spiritual Development and believes that spirituality is integral to the growth of young Filipinos. 

Phillip Salvador Palmos
Our Trustee-at-Large spends his free time singing and acting to educate the masses on young people's issues.

Ismael Aquino, RPh
Our Trustee-at-Large is a Registered Pharmacist. It his desire to improve health systems that will benefit the Filipinos.

mission & vision

No need is too small and no voice is too quiet to be heard. We will devote the time and energy necessary to educate and advocate in the realization of the health, wellness, and rights of the Filipinos.

Former Youth Alliance of Filipino Advocates (YAFA) Inc  [2015-2018] and Youth AIDS Filipinas Alliance (YAFA) Inc [2008-2015]

recent programs

Our awareness and information campaign on HIV and AIDS continues to help halt the spread of HIV infections among young people . Learn more about this page-turner.

Y - Alliance of Filipino Advocates (YAFA) Inc.

Stephanie Ramos
Our Chief of Communication (Secretary)'s experiences in counseling and supporting Filipinos extends our helping hands to those in need.