As Philippine Global Explorers marks its seventh foundation anniversary, the occasion offers an opportunity to reflect not only on how far the community has travelled, but also on the purpose that continues to bring its members together.
Founded on the belief that the experience and opportunities gained through travel can be used in service of the Philippines, PGE has grown into a global network of Filipino travellers, volunteers and community leaders. Its work is grounded in the organisation’s founding purpose: to connect Filipino travellers, cultivate a supportive community and harness their collective knowledge and experience for the benefit of the country.
Through educational programmes, community projects, cultural and environmental initiatives, tourism partnerships and volunteer-led activities, PGE members have demonstrated that travel can become a platform for service, leadership and meaningful social contribution.
In her seventh Foundation Day message, PGE Chairman Sonriza “Riza” Rasco reflects on the organisation’s continuing development and shares a wider vision for PGE: one in which Filipino travellers help transform global experience into grassroots action and lasting value for local communities.
Her message also calls upon members to recognise the role they play in this growing movement and to consider how their journeys, relationships, knowledge and resources can contribute to something greater than travel itself.
A Message from the Chairman:
The Philippine Global Explorers (PGE) is the world’s largest national travel community built on a simple but transformative belief: the privilege of exploring the world comes with the responsibility to give back to one’s country.
Founded in the Philippines, PGE mobilizes a global network of highly traveled Filipinos to apply the knowledge, expertise, relationships, and resources gained through travel to strengthen local communities.
Our vision is to redefine travel as a catalyst for societal development by connecting global experience with grassroots action.
Through partnerships with local governments, schools, indigenous communities, social enterprises, and tourism stakeholders, PGE develops community-led initiatives that preserve cultural heritage, protect the environment, expand educational opportunities, strengthen local tourism, and create sustainable livelihoods.
Equally important, we cultivate volunteer leaders who inspire others to transform travel into purposeful action.
The outcome is a growing movement that demonstrates how a travel community can generate lasting economic and social value far beyond the journey itself.
Our long-term ambition is to establish a replicable global model where travel networks become platforms for leadership, community empowerment, and sustainable destination development, proving that tourism’s greatest legacy is not measured by places visited, but by lives and communities strengthened.
Dr Sonriza “Riza” Rasco
Chairman and Co-FounderPhilippine Global Explorers
As PGE enters another year, the Chairman’s message provides both a reflection and a challenge: to recognise travel not only as a personal achievement, but also as a source of knowledge, connection and responsibility.
The organisation’s progress has been made possible through the participation of its members, volunteers, officers, project leaders, partners and communities. Each programme, collaboration and act of service contributes to the wider purpose of transforming travel experience into meaningful action.
The seventh Foundation Day therefore celebrates more than the organisation’s history. It marks the continued development of a Filipino travel community that seeks to lead through service, strengthen communities and create an impact that extends far beyond the journey.
As PGE begins its eighth year, members are encouraged to take part in its programmes, volunteer opportunities and community initiatives and to continue using their travel experiences to inspire, educate and serve.
Editor’s note: This message was prepared for publication by the PGE Communications Team in celebration of the seventh Foundation Day of Philippine Global Explorers.
