Since 1969
Our History
We began as the extrajudicial, community-based arm of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court of Manila in 1969, when Justice Corazon Juliano Agrava — then its Presiding Judge — founded TOPS on a simple belief: trace juvenile delinquency to its roots, prevent its furtherance, and treat it through a comprehensive, integrated approach toward total human development.
As TOPS grew, it successfully tested the philosophy that the normalization of wayward youth, and the holistic development of the child, is best facilitated and stabilized when effected hand-in-hand with his family.
Incorporated with the SEC in 1974 · Registration No. 57784
What We Do
Programs & Services
Dynamic in character as they respond to the needs of the youth and his family, these are TOPS’ tools and avenue through which our vision and mission are attained. Initially focused on servicing children and youth, we now outreach to families and communities.
Early Childhood Development
Liwanag ng Tahanan
The Headstart Program began when mothers of children ages 3–6 wanted to take skills training but had nowhere to leave their little ones for custodial care. In response, TOPS built Liwanag ng Tahanan to reach even more children in need — nurturing values and wholesome activities for their growth, protection, and development.
Classes emphasize basic education, social stimulation, leisure, recreation, and cultural activities that hone each child’s talents and capabilities toward becoming productive members of society. Subsidized, nutritious snacks put every child on equal footing and double as an easy opening for informal teacher-pupil conversation, while lessons feed each child’s natural drive to explore, discover, and learn about their environment and themselves — in an atmosphere that balances intellect, creativity, and love.
Est. 1993 · Sta. Ana, Manila
Tuluyan
Cognizant of the education needs of street children, TOPS initiated the Tuluyan Project in 1993 in Sta. Ana, Manila, where many families faced high unemployment and poverty, and few young people had access to formal basic education — leaving them caught in a cycle of poverty.
At its heart is a drop-in center that serves as a haven for street children, providing health and nutrition support — regular medical consultation, referrals to government health units, and assistance with vitamins and supplemental food — plus basic literacy skills and spiritual and value-formation sessions that build self-awareness, self-worth, and each child’s creative potential. TOPS has since expanded this work to street children in Dagonoy Market, San Andres Bukid, Manila.
Recognized since 1969
Awards & Recognition
Five decades of working with Filipino youth haven't gone unnoticed. From a presidential citation to city government honors, these are the moments TOPS's work was seen, named, and celebrated.
1980
Presidential Recognition of Merit
Granted by then-President Ferdinand Marcos for TOPS's efforts in preventing juvenile delinquency through its projects and services.
2005
1st Place, Flower Parade Festival
TOPS took first place at Museo Pambata's very first Flower Parade Festival.
2007
Makati City Council Award
Honored for the Protection of Children, awarded as TOPS marked its 38th anniversary.
2013
Charity Sweepstakes Office Partner
Chosen as a beneficiary organization as the Charity Sweepstakes Office renewed its commitment to Filipino youth, celebrating its own 75th year.
50 years of history
Our Journey
Drag, scroll, or use the arrows to explore five decades of TOPS.
1969
TOPS is founded
Justice Corazon Juliano Agrava, presiding judge of the Juvenile Justice and Domestic Relations Court of Manila, founded the Tahanan Outreach Projects and Services (TOPS) — first as an extrajudicial arm aimed at the reform of youth offenders.
1973
More than 500 scholars
More than 500 TOPS children were granted local and foreign scholarships.
1974
Official non-profit status
TOPS was granted its status as a private, non-profit organization. That same year, the Tahanan Special School was inaugurated — an alternative educational program for out-of-school youth.
1978
Groundbreaking ceremony
TOPS held its groundbreaking ceremony at the lot donated by then City of Manila Mayor Ramon Bagatsing.
1980
Presidential recognition
Former President Ferdinand Marcos granted TOPS the Presidential Recognition of Merit for its efforts in preventing juvenile delinquency through its projects and services.
1981
Sta. Ana center, plus Makati & Pasay
The TOPS Center in Sta. Ana finished construction. TOPS-Makati and TOPS-Pasay were also established, through the cooperation of their respective former city mayors, Nemesio Yabut and Pablo Cuneta.
1983
TOPS-Makati moves offices
TOPS-Makati moved its office from the Makati Municipal Hall to a 2-storey building, with the help of the late former mayor Yabut.
1985
Silungan Shelter opens
The Silungan Shelter for street boys was inaugurated at the TOPS Center in Sta. Ana.
1989
Funding for TOPS-Tuluyan
Former President Corazon Aquino and Justice Corazon Juliano Agrava signed a Memorandum of Agreement to fund TOPS-Tuluyan through the President's Social Fund.
1997
A visit from Luxembourg
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg visited TOPS and complimented the nationalism and patriotism displayed by the children as they toured the vicinity, observing the ongoing activities.
1998
29th anniversary
TOPS marked its 29th anniversary.
2000
Australian-funded services & the Tuluyan Center
With a funding grant from the Australian Government, TOPS provided over 100 street children with basic health, education, and nutrition services, recreational activities, and psycho-socio-legal referrals. That same year, the TOPS-Tuluyan Center was inaugurated by then-Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo together with John Buckley of the Australian Government — a project aimed at meeting the basic needs of the children of low-income market vendors.
2002
Canadian Embassy visit
Constable Albert and Heather Forton of the Canadian Embassy visited TOPS and enjoyed spending time with the kids.
2005
1st place at Museo Pambata
TOPS earned 1st Place at Museo Pambata's first Flower Parade Festival.
2007
Makati City Council award
TOPS was awarded by the Makati City Council for the Protection of Children — continuing its programs and services as it celebrated its 38th anniversary.
2011
42nd anniversary
TOPS reached its 42nd anniversary, celebrated through a program where the children showcased their skills and talents.
2012
Nutrition Month
TOPS continued its annual celebration of Nutrition Month, promoting the well-being of the children in its care.
2013
Charity Sweepstakes Office
The Charity Sweepstakes Office renewed its commitment to Filipino youth and chose TOPS as a partner as it celebrated its own 75th year.
2019
36th commencement exercises
TOPS continued bringing quality education to the youth. In March 2019, TOPS held its 36th commencement exercises for school year 2018–2019, for its senior nursery pupils.
Present
50 years, and still growing
For 50 years now, TOPS continues to live up to its mission — helping the youth and providing basic education. Through all the transformation TOPS has witnessed in the children it has helped, and the impact it has imparted, Tahanan Outreach Projects and Services remains true to its beliefs and advocacy, living up to its legacy.
Watch our story
Milestone
From a single courtroom initiative in 1969 to a nationwide network of centers, schools, and shelters — this is the story of how TOPS grew into a fifty-year commitment to Filipino youth. Watch the people, partnerships, and turning points that shaped TOPS, in the words and images of those who lived it.