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Asia America Initiative is a 501c3 nonprofit supported solely through private contributions.
We do not receive government funding.
Your donation is
100% tax-deductible.
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Contact Details
Washington DC Office
1523 16th St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
Telephone 202.232.7020
Fax 202.232.7023
administrator
@asiaamerica.org
Map of DC Office
Get directions
Medical Plaza Makati Building, Unit 2009
104 Amorsolo St. Cor. Dela Rosa St.
Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229
Philippines
Telephone (632) 816.3305
Fax (632) 816.2613
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AAI INTERNS COORDINATE EMERGENCY RELIEF
 Developing future leaders is a key mission of Asia America Initiative. In September 2009, the northern Philippines, especially the capitol of Manila, was devastated with flood waters from Typhoon Ondoy. Entire neighborhoods were submerged and close to one million people were made homeless. Asia America Initiative, with the assistance from donor partners in the United States contributed close to 7 million dollars worth of flood relief, including water purification, medicines and nutritional supplements. Humanitarian relief in the disaster area was coordinated by AAI Philippines Director, Ms. Rohaniza Sumndad, in partnership with Filipino Government agencies, the Filipino Army and multiple NGOs. In Washington, AAI President Albert Santoli and a staff of international college interns organized the relief shipments.
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The relief process was jeopardized when Mr. Santoli underwent emergency surgery for cancer in the midst of the effort. It was saved by his ability to coordinate efforts with the intern team from his hospital bed. The interns, ranging in age between 19 and 22 years old, learned under fire to process multiple shipments between donors, government agencies and Ms, Sumndad and her AAI field operatives. The intern team included: Sofia Arias (Colombia), Asa Reynolds (Maryland), Rhoda Severino (Philippines), Lucy Jun (South Korea), Sanghee Lee (South Korea).
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JOURNEY FOR PEACE
 The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,000 islands divided by cultural and religious affiliations. Inter-cultural rivalries have created discrimination, disenfranchisement, poverty and armed conflict. Muslim Mindanao region is known to many as a war zone and a land consumed by chaos. The key to breaking cycles of violence is in proper education, including trauma counseling for the youth and interaction between children of various Faiths.
Throughout 2009, AAI’s “Journey to Peace” has been bringing together hundreds of Christian and Muslim students for the first time in their lives. This inter-faith dialogue instills lifelong values of respect for human rights, inter-religious understanding and appreciation of people of every religion and culture. 
Using public schools as venues, we create a safe environment for children who come from the “best” and the “worst” private and public schools in Manila, ranging from 2nd grade to early College students.
Sharing personal or group experiences, they become compassionate role models to heal and unite the nation.
And an example for similar communities in many areas of the world.
AAI’s Peace Caravans are supported by the Bishops and Ulema Conference, the Philippine Armed Forces, Ayala Young Leaders Alliance, the Education Alliance, Center for Moderate Islam, Skills and Livelihood Alliance, Young Moro Professionals Network, Youth Alliance Philippines, Peace Talks Philippines, REFUGE, Starfish Magazine, EDSA [Catholic] Shrine, AAI Catalysts for Peace, the National Youth Commission, Haven Crest Media, Assumption College and the Philippine Department of Education.
Your donation of any size can make a difference in AAI's peace building programs. Learn More OR Thanks, Al Santoli | |
Unity of Action Saves Typhoon Victims
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(JAY DIRECTO/AFP/Getty Images) Responding to the need for immediate action to combat diseases brought by the floodwaters of Typhoon Ondoy (international codename: Ketsana) and Typhoon Pepeng (international codename: Parma), Asia America Initiative (AAI), a private NGO, working with fellow nonprofit AmeriCares and corporate partners delivered emergency medical supplies to the Philippines. These were distributed with partner government agencies and NGOs to evacuation centers all over Metro Manila. See Photos of Devastation and Relief OR Read the Full Story |
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World Food Crisis
The mounting impact of global food shortages poses a growing human and international security threat to the lives of millions of vulnerable families across the world. This natural and man-made crisis could jeopardize political stability and increase the threat of armed conflict for entire regions. United Nations agencies warn that international contributions for food security have declined dramatically due to climate change and the worldwide financial crisis, while government safety nets for the poor are insufficient or non-existent in 80 percent of all nations. Read the Full Story |
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 Ms. Rohaniza Sumndad, AAI, visiting infant undergoing chemotherapy |
Cancer Treatment for the Poor
In May 2009 a working visit by Asia America Initiative was conducted in Manila to expand the first Cancer Treatment for the Poor Program in Asia. The life saving partnership involves Albert Santoli and Rohaniza Sumndad of AAI, General Ben Dolorfino Commandant of the Philippines Marine Corps, with medicines and expertise provided by Thomas Roane of the US-based National Cancer Coalition and Dr. Thomas Hogn of the HFK Krebsallianz of Germany. Scores of cancer patients who otherwise would not have access to medication are now being treated by oncologists in respected hospitals. Local leaders include the Philippine Cancer Society and the Philippine Cancer Institute Foundation. The Program brings together international organizations and pharmaceutical corporations with local medical centers to provide specialized treatment for cancer victims of all ages.
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| Video: Peace Caravan |
AAI Areas of Involvement |
