Manila Downtown YMCA collaborates with AMOY YMCA in China

The Manila Downtown YMCA Board of Directors, led by President Dr. Honorio Tan, paid a goodwill and fellowship visit to Xiamen, China from May 19- 24, 2026, together with the Manila Downtown YMCA Women’s Club headed by President Adelina Pua.

Joining the delegation from the Manila Downtown YMCA were Vice President Edison Dy Go, Corporate Secretary Charlie Lim, Board Member Hong Wu Yi, Board Member Victor Ong Lau, and Executive Director Venus May Alinsod. Representing the Women’s Club were Treasurer Juanita Co, and members Tessie Uy Chua, Obiles Co Ah Mui and Co-Cheng Ida Sy.

On May 20, the Manila Downtown YMCA delegation met with AMOY (Xiamen) YMCA General Secretary Kevin Ke to discuss the organizations’ various programs and community service initiatives. The meeting also explored possible future collaborations and exchange programs between the two YMCA organizations.

During the discussion, the delegates learned about the rich history of the AMOY YMCA, which was founded in 1912, and the YWCA, established in 1929. Both organizations played a pioneering role in the development of modern sports, education, social services, and public culture in Xiamen.

The delegates were also informed that the AMOY YMCA launched the International Swimming Program in 1931 and continues to organize fellowship gatherings and festivals supporting public welfare organizations in Xiamen.

Aside from sports and youth development, the YMCA and YWCA of Xiamen are actively engaged in elderly care services and cultural outreach programs through instrumental music and dance exchanges that help strengthen community ties and international friendship.

For their part, the Manila Downtown YMCA officials presented the organization’s key initiatives, including environmental programs such as tree-planting activities, educational support for Chinese-Filipino schools, and sports development projects like Learn-to-Swim classes and basketball clinics. The delegation also highlighted the organization’s outreach program for cancer patients through the donation of wigs.

The delegates later toured the facilities of the AMOY YMCA and interacted with its staff members. In the evening, a welcome dinner was hosted by AMOY YMCA President Lily Li, providing another opportunity to strengthen camaraderie and discuss future partnerships between the two organizations.

--

Disclaimer: This is externally supplied material from a third party and is not a product of reporting or editorial work by the Philstar.com newsroom