OUR STORY

The Social Action for Filipino Youth (SAFFY) began in Manila in 1966 through the initiative of Sister Juliaan Mullie, ICM. Moved by the poverty she witnessed, she started a sewing project with no capital—borrowing machines, using an old door as a cutting table, and relying on the generosity of friends and parish communities. Donations and support from local and international partners helped expand training workshops and income-generating activities for out-of-school youth in Manila, Makati, Quezon City, and later in provinces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

In 1970, the organization was incorporated as Social Action Foundation for Rural and Urban Development, Inc. (SAFRUDI), a non-stock, non-profit social development organization rooted in Christian values. For decades, SAFRUDI pursued social enterprise initiatives, using SAFFY as its trade name to export quality Fair Trade products worldwide. Locally, the Mano Mano Store brought Filipino-crafted products closer to home.

Through its Integrated Social Development Programs (ISDP), the Foundation continues to support grassroots People’s Organizations through training and project assistance, promoting self-reliance and community development.

In 2013, SAFFY, Inc. was established as an independent trading corporation to strengthen partnerships with buyers such as Ten Thousand Villages USA, SERRV International, Trades of Hope, EZA Fairer Handel, El Puente, Solidar Monde, and Oxfam Magasins, as well as with producers and artisans under Fair Trade principles, further advancing opportunities for marginalized communities while promoting Filipino craftsmanship globally.