Our Community Foundation organizers and volunteers were joined by the Office of the Philippine Consul General of Los Angeles (L-R: Trent Brow, Aice Giddings, Ellen Swing, Catherine Cruz, Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, Our Community Foundation
founder Edward Lago, Tiffany Nguyen, Kristine Bartolome)
By Ellen Rodriguez-Swing
MESA, Ariz. — What began as a quiet vision to serve and uplift has grown into a meaningful effort promoting Filipino American pride, wellness, education and community building.
Our Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Arizona, celebrated its second anniversary on June 20, 2026, with its signature outreach event, “Our Community Rising 2026: Training, Resources & Opportunity for All.” The event was held in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1050 S. Hobson in Mesa, Arizona.
At the heart of the foundation’s growth is Edward Lago, founder and visionary of Our Community Foundation. A respected Filipino American community leader in Arizona, Lago saw the need for a space where families, young people, professionals and other community members could come together not only to receive support but also to learn, grow, stay healthy and build a stronger future.
Under his vision and leadership, Our Community Foundation has spent the past two years creating free programs, sports festivals, wellness activities and educational workshops designed to empower individuals and families. Although rooted in Arizona, the foundation’s community work has also extended beyond state lines, including a previous collaborative event in Cerritos, California. The event reflected its growing reach and commitment to building connections among Filipino American communities.
“This foundation was born from a simple belief that when we give people access to learning, wellness, resources and a place to belong, we help them rise,” Lago said. “Our Community Rising is not just an event. It is a movement of people helping people, families supporting families and a community coming together with pride, purpose and hope.”
The anniversary event featured a full day of free classes and activities, including voice lessons, drumming, art, Muay Thai, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, basic emergency preparedness and financial preparedness. The program reflected the foundation’s mission to educate, empower and provide opportunities for people of all ages.
The celebration was attended by several distinguished guests, including Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz, who served as the keynote speaker, and his wife, Catherine A. Cruz. Jenny Ho-Vijungco, honorary consul of the Philippines in Arizona, was also in attendance.
A community dinner was held from 2:30 to 4 p.m., bringing together participants, volunteers, instructors, sponsors and supporters in a spirit of gratitude and celebration.
