The foundations that need more support
MANILA, Philippines — More acknowledgment and support should be given to foundations, especially those that promote rural empowerment.
We give here two examples:
The first is the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDFI), headed by chair Manuel V. Pangilinan and president Benigno N. Ricafort.
KDFI established two of the very few hospitals in the world that provide totally free services to people with disabilities (PWDs). They have so far serviced 36,556 PWDs, providing, for example, eye, ear and cleft palate surgeries or allocating prosthetic devices.
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In addition, the foundation has set up the only 30-hectare nursery in Luzon, which provides high-quality certified seedlings. They grow coconut, cacao, coffee and mango. There is also a training center there to support the production and marketing of these products.
The second that needs to be acknowledged is Multinational Foundation, Inc (MFI), headed by its president Malou Cristobal together with advisory council chair (and Manila Archbishop) Jose Cardinal Advincula.
MFI was the main benefactor of the Agribusiness Development and Countryside Development Foundation (in partnership with the Management Association of the Philippines) from 1996 to 2022. Its biweekly technology transfer fora, which began 28 years ago and can be electronically accessed, now have 1,916 participants a month.
MFI now focuses on programs such as home education for underprivileged out-of-school youth, scholarships for the differently abled, priestly vocations and recognition for women in rural education.
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Flora Award
Last May 23, four remarkable women were given the Filipina Achievers in Rural Education Award (Flora). It was done in partnership with The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service Foundation (Towns), the designated search and organizing committee.
The four awardees “[exemplified] leadership resilience and deep commitment to educating the youth and uplifting the rural communities,” specifically in fourth-, fifth- and sixth-class municipalities.
1. Ervie Ann Cosigna Conte, from Anajawan, Surigao del Norte, is a dedicated multigrade teacher in a remote off-grid island that has no Wi-Fi connectivity. Conte addresses critical issues such as limited electricity, malnutrition and access to quality education.
She got 600 individuals to join in her “Paglajag” environmental project, which is now used in other islands as a model for community reliance and sustainable island development.
2. Ma. Ruby Cordero Primero, from Mira, Iloilo, is an education leader who promotes data-driven methodology, supported by pre- and post-assessment evaluations that ensure continuous improvement. Her Community Reading Engagement for Enhanced Development (Creed) has established reading centers in every barangay. Creed’s decentralized, community-driven solutions have resulted in a sustainable foundation for community engagement in education.
3. Mary Hazel Ballena, from Bucay, Abra, works as a principal for three schools. She organized Sending Our Best Regards, Embraces and Heartfelt Connections, which encourages teachers and students to write letters of hope to persons deprived of liberty in the Bucay District Jail.
She also organized “Indayon” (an Ilokano word that literally means hammock) that promotes love of learning, community partnerships and engagement on important issues. Ballena started this weekly practice of allowing students to rest on hammocks under the trees for an open atmosphere conducive to questioning and creativity.
4. Marife Matic Mustacisa-Lacaba, from Catbalogan, Samar, is an environmental educator known for her innovative approaches. These include the Blue Ocean Strategy, Futures Thinking, and “solution trees.”
A published author recognized internationally and a Center for Lifelong Learning (Cell) director, she promotes environmental stewardship and strategic community involvement. She supports youth in rural farming and fishing communities by giving them access to scientific knowledge, planning tools and entrepreneurial skills.
Foundations such as MFI and commendable projects such as Flora, should get more acknowledgement and support. These private initiatives significantly bolster government actions in building our nation.
