By Edwin Rollon
The Manila Downtown YMCA, led by President Dr. Honorio T. Tan, strengthened its international partnership efforts through a goodwill and fellowship visit to Xiamen, China, from May 19 to 24, 2026.
Joining the delegation were members of the Manila Downtown YMCA Board of Directors and the Manila Downtown YMCA Women’s Club headed by President Adelina Pua.
Representing the Manila Downtown YMCA were Vice President Edison Dy Go, Corporate Secretary Charlie L. Lim, Board Members Hong Wu Yi and Victor Ong Lau, and Executive Director Venus May Alinsod. Also part of the delegation were Women’s Club Treasurer Juanita Co and members Tessie Uy Chua, Obiles Co Ah Mui, and Co-Cheng Ida Sy.
On May 20, the delegation met with AMOY (Xiamen) YMCA General Secretary Kevin Ke to discuss both organizations’ ongoing programs and community service initiatives. The meeting also opened discussions on possible future collaborations and exchange programs between the Manila Downtown YMCA and AMOY YMCA.
During the visit, the Manila delegation learned about the rich heritage of the AMOY YMCA, founded in 1912, and the YWCA, established in 1929. Both organizations played vital roles in the growth of modern sports, education, social services, and cultural development in Xiamen.
The delegates were also briefed on the AMOY YMCA’s International Swimming Program, which began in 1931, as well as its continuing efforts in organizing fellowship activities and festivals supporting various public welfare organizations in Xiamen.
Beyond sports and youth development, the YMCA and YWCA of Xiamen continue to provide elderly care services and cultural outreach programs through music and dance exchanges aimed at strengthening community ties and fostering international friendship.
For their part, officials of the Manila Downtown YMCA presented the organization’s flagship initiatives, including environmental programs such as tree-planting activities, educational assistance for Chinese-Filipino schools, and grassroots sports development projects like Learn-to-Swim classes and basketball clinics. The delegation also highlighted its outreach efforts for cancer patients through wig donation programs.
The delegates later toured the facilities of the AMOY YMCA and interacted with its staff members. In the evening, AMOY YMCA President Lily Li hosted a welcome dinner for the visiting delegation, further strengthening camaraderie and paving the way for future cooperation between the two YMCA organizations.
