YMCA of Manila is a non- government, non- stock, non- profit, civic, voluntary, educational and ecumenical association supported by voluntary contributions and income derived from its program and assets which shall be actually, directly and exclusively used for the attainment of its objectives. The association is intended primarily to serve the welfare of the youth and as such, every opportunity shall be given the youth to participate and assume leadership in the affairs of the association. The enduring purposes of the Association shall be:

• To develop well balanced Christian personality, mission in life and usefulness of individuals, as well as to promote unity among Christians and understanding among people of all faiths;
• To promote on equal basis the physical, mental, social and spiritual welfare of the youth and to emphasize reverence to God, social discipline, responsibility for the common good, respect for human dignity and the observance of the Golden Rule.

The Young Men’s Christian Association was brought to the Philippines by the first contingent of the United States soldiers during the Spanish-American War.

Its programs and services were at first confined to American soldiers and sailors. Later however, it served American civilians as well, large numbers in the city of Manila and eventually Filipinos though limited in numbers.

Early in 1907, Dr. John R. Mott, senior executive of the Foreign Department and of the Student Department of the International Committee made his first visit in the Philippines. In Manila alone, he found no less than 3,000 American men apart from the Armed forces. Some of them are in government position and a large number were college graduates. Not one of six had any home life. By their object lesson, Dr. Mott contended, “ they could do immense good or harm to the Filipinos”

It became clear to him that an urgent need was the development in Manila of a truly model Association to serve not only American young men, but youth from many European countries. It was also believed that this initial Association work would demonstrate the value of the YMCA to the citizens of the Philippines and thus lay the foundation for a permanent Philippine YMCA movement.

Dr. Mott discovered that there was enthusiastic approval of his plan by leading government officials, American professionals and businessmen in Manila. He helped organized and inaugurate a canvass of funds for a building and enlisted the cooperation of the government in preliminary arrangements in securing a favorable site . Two large and successful banquets were held in preparation for a building fund campaign.

Soon after the visit of Dr. John R. Mott, William A. Tener was recruited and sent to Manila to be the first General Secretary of this pioneer civilian Association in the islands. He remained in this capacity until January 1915 when he left for America permanently, turning over the managerial position to J. M. Groves, a Harvard graduate.

On the strength of Dr. Mott’s guarantee, an Association for Americans and Europeans was organized and incorporated in Manila later in 1907. The incorporated title for the new association was YMCA of Manila.

MISSION:

TO BE AN IDEAL LOCAL ASSOCIATION EFFICIENT IN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE YOUTH AND THE COMMUNITY

VISION:

The YMCA of Manila ADHERES TO AND PROMOTES THE FOLLOWING MISSION OF THE YMCA of the Philippines TO BE A CHRIST –CENTERED, VOLUNTARY MOVEMENT AND CATALYST OF DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGE TOWARDS A JUST AND HUMANE SOCIETY:

• Committed to the upliftment of the quality of life of the Filipinos through the development of the youth into future leaders of the country, and;
• Committed to raising the youth into God-centered and morally upright men and women imbued with an entrepreneurial spirit and seeking opportunities towards spiritual, physical and mental growth