ABOUT US
THE STORY OF PEACE
MISSION
To improve the quality of life of Filipinos in the Philippines and to foster a better Philippines.
VISION
A Philippines where every community has access to clean water, every child receives an education, families thrive in safe homes, and culture and compassion flourish for generations to come.
GOALS
- Make fresh water more accessible through artesian wells.
- Provide educational stipends, scholarships, and grants.
- Assist during natural disasters with shelter and aid.
- Encourage interest in the arts and literature.
IMPACTS
- Families served through disaster relief and housing.
- Wells drilled across rural communities.
- Students supported at various education levels.
HISTORY
A BROTHERHOOD OF SERVICE
AND LEGACY OF HOPE
AND LEGACY OF HOPE
FOUNDERS of P.E.A.C.E.after their organizational meeting.
Founders of P.E.A.C.E
From left (seated): Rena M. Nora, Cosme R. Cagas, Cella Roque, Elcee Cagas Conner and Philip Cua. (Standing, same order): Max Basco, Enrico Garcia, Manolo Apanay, Casimiro S. Garcia, Ruben Silan, Sariel GG Ablaza, Rodolfo Yau, and Leo P. Pardo.
Reflections on the Filipino
THE LIVING DRAMA that occured in Febuary, 1986 will be written in the annals of Phillipine and world history as one of the most historic and decisive events that changed the fate and future of a people and their nation...
In the month of Febuary, 1986, as the world held its breath, the Filipino people lived their finest hour.
Cosme R. Cagas, MD
What began as a response to the call of the Filipino people during a historic revolution has grown into a sustained mission of service.
For decades, Peace-USA has been improving lives in rural Philippines through water, education, culture, and relief. The work continues, driven by the same spirit of solidarity and love that inspired its founding.
For decades, Peace-USA has been improving lives in rural Philippines through water, education, culture, and relief. The work continues, driven by the same spirit of solidarity and love that inspired its founding.
The Birth of P.E.A.C.E.
In the wake of the cataclysmic events of 1986, as the Filipino nation reclaimed democracy, Filipino professionals in the United States felt the call of duty. They were compelled to act—not only as witnesses but as active participants in rebuilding a nation.
Dr. Cosme R. Cagas, a pediatrician and community leader, captured the spirit of the time: “Swept off our feet by rapidly unfolding events in February 1986, we consecrated ourselves to help in some small way rebuild a battered nation.”
From that conviction, *PEACE was born*—a select brotherhood of Filipinos and Americans bound by shared values and an unwavering commitment to service.
Epifanio De los Santos Avenue (EDSA)25 February 1986
Thousands of Filipinos form a protective shield around the government television station following a takeover by rebels in this Feb. 24, 1986 file photo, one day before the "people power" ousted President Ferdinand Marcos...
Aerial view Downtown Norfolk, 1980s
Founding Years and Vision
Formally organized in Norfolk, Virginia, PEACE brought together professionals from across the United States...
- Their objectives were clear:
- To provide assistance to those in need through charitable, educational, and cultural initiatives.
- To create programs that could reach the most vulnerable, particularly in rural areas of the Philippines.
- To work in harmony with other civic and charitable organizations, amplifying impact through partnership.
In March 1986, the *Phil-Am Medical Bulletin* described PEACE as a movement dedicated to promoting human dignity and uplifting the human spirit.
A Brotherhood in Action
One of PEACE's early defining moments came in Chicago, where Filipino community leaders publicly declared their allegiance...
That act of solidarity underscored PEACE's identity: not just an organization, but a community committed to freedom, justice, and the welfare of the Filipino people.
Corazon Aquinowas sworn in as President of the Philippines on25 January 1986
Drilled well with hand pumps
Bamboo houses for displaced families.
Early Projects and Enduring Mission
PEACE's mission quickly translated into tangible service...
- Over time, the mission expanded:
- Scholarships and Educational Support: Grants for elementary, secondary, vocational, and college students.
- Disaster Relief: Support for communities devastated by frequent typhoons...
- Cultural Endowment: Preserving and promoting Filipino heritage...
Maliit Digos Elementary School
The Legacy of February 1986
For Dr. Cagas and the early members of PEACE...“The living drama that occurred in February 1986...”
PEACE was, and remains, one way of extending that finest hour into daily acts of compassion.
A Legacy to Continue
Today, decades since its founding, PEACE stands as a bridge...
From wells that quench thirst...
Dr. Cosme R. Cagas together with children receiving support from the feeding program.
TEAMS
HEARTS BEHIND THE
MISSION
MISSION
John
Manager
John
Manager
John
Manager
John
Manager
John
Manager
John
Manager
John
Manager
John
Manager
John
Manager
John
Manager
John
Manager
TRANSPARENCY
SERVING WITH OPEN HANDS
AND OPEN BOOKS
AND OPEN BOOKS
At PEACE-USA, we believe that every peso and every dollar entrusted to us is a gift of hope.
We honor that trust by ensuring full transparency in how donations are received, recorded, and used.
We honor that trust by ensuring full transparency in how donations are received, recorded, and used.
Here's how we keep our work accountable:
- 501(c)(3) Registered NonprofitPeace-USA is recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible in the United States.
Direct Connection to Impact- Donors can view reports on:
- Scholarship recipients (schools, contact details, progress)
- Communities receiving wells, houses, feeding programs
- Partner schools benefiting from donations
- Financial Stewardship
- We keep detailed records of:
- Membership and dues payments
- Donors and donation amounts
- Letters and official receipts sent globally
Annual ReportsEach year, we share highlights of families served, wells drilled, and students supported—ensuring you see the real impact of your generosity.
Our Promise:
Your donations don't disappear into overhead. They directly fund wells, scholarships, meals, and homes for the people who need them most.