From the belief of Sister Juliaan Mullie, ICM, a Belgian missionary nun, that one can “Fight Hunger Through Work”, SAFFY or Social Action for Filipino Youth saw the light of day in 1966.  This organization created alternative sources of livelihood for the unemployed and out-of-school youths living in the marginalized areas of Manila.

The organization was later incorporated in 1970 as Social Action Foundation for Rural and Urban Development, Inc. or SAFRUDI, a non-stock, non-profit social development entity imbued with Christian values.

Through more than four decades, SAFRUDI continued to pursue its social enterprise objectives, retaining SAFFY as its trade name to send quality Fair Trade exports to Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. In the domestic market, its ManoMano Store brought the same Filipino-crafted products closer to the hearts of Filipinos.

At the same time, through its ISDP( Integrated Social Development Programs), the Foundation acted, and still continues to serve, as a catalyst in the formation and development of grassroots Peoples Organizations. These groups’ dedicated volunteer leaders and members receive regular training and project subsidies to enable them to lead their respective communities in the journey towards self-reliance and become contributing members to nation-building.

The year 2013 saw the spin-off of SAFFY, Inc. as an independent trading corporation to focus and carry on the organization’s relationships with partner buyers and customers, as well as independent producers and artisans, under the guidance of the Fair Trade principles. Through this Corporation, the Foundress’ belief would thus be further concretized in the creation of better opportunities empowering marginalized and small producers and their artisans as well, while promoting globally Filipino ingenuity and craftsmanship as reflected by each of its Fair Trade products.