Upon setting clear sights on the 2030 vision - to impact communities by enabling them to become resilient, prosperous and vibrant - 2024 began building the road towards the vision through “pilot implementation of transformative programs in selected local government units to test, refine and enhance (these) models before scaling them broadly ”
Thus, in the first quarter of 2025, programs e warming up with capability buildings, establish program managements teams, process and sy sustained advocacy initiatives.
Concurrently, in order to align with the program c provide relevant support to program needs, th Partners underwent restructuring or reinvention of
During this quarter, RAFI is also bracing for the lo by promoting citizenship action through voters’ e the University of San Carlos Moreover, during t the RAFI program operations group will undergo hence fieldwork during these months will be limite
Meanwhile, efforts towards the 18th Gabii sa K January for RAFI and its partners within the culture and heritage community and various stakeholders
RAFI’sTransformativePrograms
For 2025-2030, RAFI has seven transformative programs equipped with the multisectoral approach in addressing the problems of our communities Listed below are the areas of the transformative programs
Three Pillar Approach
BRAVE Boljoon
GreenerCebu Carcar
CARES Alcantara
SINAG Bantayan, CebuCity
TALiNO Bantayan, Oslob
BAI Bantayan, Boljoon, Mandaue
Over the next five years, RAFI will implement transformative programs guided by the “three-pillar approach” First, Pillar One aims to Inspire Action by shifting the mindsets of our stakeholders to active movers for social change and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation Building on this foundation, will be, in Pillar Two, Enable Communities, focusing on capacity building for Local Government Unit (LGU) Project Management Teams By co-planning, we will empower these teams to effectively implement projects. Finally, in Pillar Three, as we Take Action, LGUs will execute programs we co-create, ensuring that our collaborative efforts translate into meaningful, sustainable outcomes for the communities we serve
WHAT TO LOOK AHEAD
BIG LEAPS FOR CULTURE AND HERITAGE
RAFI, ICOMOS Ph Strengthen Commitment to Preserve Culture and Heritage
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc (RAFI) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today, February 25, 2025, that forged a shared commitment to the implementation of initiatives dubbed under the “Kabilin” projects
With culture and heritage as the unifying thread, RAFI and ICOMOS Philippines held strategic co-designing sessions following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 15, 2024, formalizing their partnership. They shared resources and expertise to develop action plans aimed at activating resilient, prosperous, and vibrant communities in Cebu, empowered by their culture
The landmark collaboration is anchored by three pilot projects:
National Training Course on Disaster Risk Management of Cultural Heritage (DRMCH)
Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Santo Niño Devotion (ICHSN)
Mobilizing Philippine Heritage as a Driver and Enabler of Sustainable Development (MPHSD)
Each project has a specific purpose: promoting, conserving, and protecting both tangible and intangible cultural assets
GSK BLOOMS
GABII SA KABILIN 2025
On February 15, 2025, a Merienda Cena was held for culture and heritage champions, who are our partners of Gabii sa Kabilin This event aimed to engage and garner the support of institutional heads It focused on identifying areas of support and gaps that need to be addressed, based on feedback and data, in order to bring urgent attention to critical issues The objective was to encourage actionable outcomes during the session Additionally, organizers sought to capture the heads' aspirations for GSK to implement effective strategies for achieving these goals as part of the key discussion
Gabii sa Kabilin Facebook Page
This year's Gabii sa Kabilin will take place on MAY 23, 2025 Tickets will be available soon
Stay updated by following the Gabii sa Kabilin Facebook Page
5 TRADITIONAL FILIPINO COURTSHIP RITUALS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE AT CASA GORORDO MUSEUM
Every February, Casa Gorordo Museum offers a unique, immersive experience that takes visitors back in time to witness how Cebuanos expressed love and courtship in the olden days The event, Rites of Love showcases the rich cultural traditions of Cebuano romance Here some courting rituals that they offered during the event:
1. Harana
Harana is perhaps the most well-known Filipino courtship practice In this tradition, the suitor, often accompanied by friends, sings a love song under the window of the woman he is courting The lady would then appear, and depending on her feelings, she would either accept the suitor by throwing out the window a white cloth or reject the suitor’s offer of love by throwing water at him It’s a practice that allows the suitor to express his emotions through music, while the woman has the power to decide her romantic future
3. PAMALAYE
2. Pamisita
Pamisita, another traditional courtship phase, involves the suitor visiting the woman’s home
The suitor is often led to a designated area where he can converse with the lady while being mindful of the household’s decorum
While the couple may be physically close, the matriarch of the house keeps a close watch to ensure that all courtship interactions adhere to proper manners It’s an experience that highlights the balance between love and respect, as well as the importance of family involvement in Filipino romance.
The Visayan counterpart to the popular Filipino tradition of Pamamanhikan is called Pamalaye. In this practice, the groom and his family meet with the bride-to-be’s family, along with their relatives, to formally ask for her hand in marriage. What makes the Visayan Pamalaye unique is the inclusion of poetry delivered by a spokesperson from both parties This extemporaneous exchange of words adds a poetic and romantic flair compared to a formal meeting
4. BALITAW
The Balitaw is a traditional form of courtship where a man and a woman engage in an extemporaneous exchange of love verses, accompanied by dance and music This dynamic ritual involves not only singing but also miming the steps in a dance, which may last for hours Often, the man and woman will improvise their verses and dance movements, which makes the experience unpredictable and thrilling The dance is typically performed in traditional attire, such as the balintawak or patadyong, and accompanied by instruments like the bamboo flute (subing), castanets, coconut guitar, and more
5. SURTIDO CEBUANO
The Surtido Cebuano is a traditional square dance that originated in Bantayan, Cebu This dance blends Spanish, Mexican, and French influences with indigenous Filipino elements, resulting in a lively and complex performance. Dancers, often in pairs, perform in various quadrille formations under the guidance of the cabeceras (head dancers). It was historically performed by a large group and set to beautiful Visayan folk music. This dance is a colorful and energetic display of both Filipino culture and the community’s role in courtship and celebration
These traditional Cebuano courtship rituals offer a regional take into the history of love and relationships in the Philippines Casa Gorordo Museum as an advocate of local culture and heritage brings these practices to life, allowing visitors to not only learn about but also experience them in a fun and engaging way Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a student, or simply someone interested in the romantic traditions of the past, a visit to Casa Gorordo is an experience that transports you to a time when love was expressed through song, dance, and poetry
#WELOVE: DREAMS COMING TRUE
Every child deserves the opportunity to dream, explore, and discover their potential In this article, get to know Princess, who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer and how she has just been given the chance to take a step closer to making that dream a reality
On December of 2024, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI), in collaboration with Ballet Philippines, brought the magic of dance to children in its neighboring barangays through a special three-day ballet workshop
For the participants, like Princess, this experience was a dream come true “I remember telling my parents when I was three years old that I always wanted to learn ballet, but it was expensive So I just kept practicing at home until now Then my mom told me there were ballet classes available,” she shared
The workshop introduced the children to basic ballet forms and movements, allowing them to develop an appreciation for the art of dance The culmination of their hard work and dedication was showcased in a recital during Pasko sa E Aboitiz Street, where the young dancers confidently performed for an audience, embracing the grace and discipline of ballet
Beyond teaching technique, the initiative was about inspiring creativity, building confidence, and fostering a love for the arts
According to Ballet Philippines instructor Clarize Miranda, “Usually, in the Ballet Brigade that we conduct, what we do is teach, and since we’re teaching IP (Indigenous Peoples) students, they also teach us their culture and practices, like a cultural exchange But here, since they’re not IPs, we just shared our knowledge with them and taught them their dance for their upcoming performance ”
RAFI believes that every child has unique talents and interests waiting to be nurtured. By providing access to meaningful learning experiences like this ballet workshop, the foundation hopes to empower children to pursue their passions and build a brighter future
“It’s really hard to get into ballet because it’s expensive, and there are only a few foundations left that help children who want to dance But because of RAFI, I’m thankful because here, in this place, there are so many kids who want to dance ballet My hope for them is, if they truly love ballet and really want to dance, they just need to have dedication and patience because I’ve been dancing for 15 years That’s a long time Actually, I never thought I’d be where I am today I also came from a foundation, and we didn’t have money for ballet shoes, leotards, or skirts. But there was a foundation that opened doors for us, and all we had to do was work hard Just work hard,” Clarize explained
“Like a dream finally coming true, Princess beamed after the recital during Pasko sa E Aboitiz ‘I’m really happy,’ she said ‘Even though it was just three days, I’m really happy because, at least, I learned something '”
RAFI, in partnership with organizations such as Ballet Philippines, is dedicated to advocating for education, the arts, and culture. They believe that one of the most precious gifts we can offer children is the opportunity to dream, learn, and grow
A BEAT AND A DANCE FOR THE HOLY CHILD SANTO NINO
The traditional Sinug traces its origins to the simplicity of the dance, offering a supplication and expression of faith to the Santo Niño through movement
In an effort to preserve and honor the roots of Sinulog, the Casa Gorordo Museum hosts a Sinug dance offering the day [Monday] after the Feast of the Holy Child Señor Santo Niño, a heartfelt tradition upheld by the Gorordo family as a prayer for their departed loved ones A beloved house tradition, today, RAFI has continued the tradition through the Sinug sa Casa Gorordo Museum offering its guests an opportunity to witness the ritual dance tracing back to another dance form called “Moro-moro ”
Estelita “Titang” Diola of the Mabolo dance troupe was assigned to perform the dance in the past and has now passed on to her apprentice, Richelieu Colina, to lead the dance troupe and continue the dance passed down from generations
SOCIAL MEDIA 101: PRESERVING THE PAST, ENGAGING THE PRESENT
On March 26, the Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) Communications Committee hosted Social Media 101 for GSK partner sites and cities The workshop covered social media fundamentals, with a focus on Facebook page management and content creation. It also introduced best practices for increasing followers, expanding reach, and boosting engagement helping partner museums and heritage sites prepare for Gabii sa Kabilin 2025 on May 23
By equipping participants with these skills, Social Media 101 aimed to empower cultural partners to effectively promote their events and initiatives, ultimately enhancing their online presence
APIL ‘TA, BAI! VOTER EDUCATION: EMPOWERING VOTERS FOR INFORMED ELECTIONS
To empower young voters and prepare for the upcoming 2025 midyear elections, a voter’s education initiative will be launched to enhance knowledge and awareness among first-time voters, youth, and the general public Top of FormBottom of Form The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc (RAFI) and the University of San Carlos, will launch the “Apil ‘Ta, Bai!” Voter Education Campaign, on February 19, 2025 to empower Cebuanos to make informed decisions when choosing their elected leaders.
During the 2022 elections, there were around 21 million voters aged 18 to 30. According to the Pulse Asia’s 2022 study, a significant portion of these voters had been approached with financial incentives or goods by candidates or their supporters This was particularly high in Cebu, where 18% of voters reported such encounters, slightly above the national average of 15% This survey shows the need for greater voter education
In response to this need, this campaign will have a series of interactive activities, workshops, forums, and a social media campaign focused on voter education It is targeted for first-time voters, the youth, and sectoral representatives to help them make informed decisions on key sectoral issues and encourage participation in upcoming elections
KEY CAMPAIGN EVENTS:
1 Klarohay ‘Ta! 3 0
This consists of a series of episodes focusing on critical sectoral issues such as Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), Disaster Preparedness, Culture and Heritage, Youth Civic Engagement, Health, Education, and Environment Each episode will feature invited resource speakers who will share their insights and plans for addressing sectoral issues
2 Pili ‘Ta, Bai!
This is a series of Voters Education Caravan targeting three schools in Cebu The goal is to educate and raise awareness about the importance of voting and how to make informed decisions when choosing the right candidates during elections The caravan will specifically target first-time voters and youth
RAFI, ICOMOS PH STRENGTHEN VOW TO CONSERVE CULTURE AND HERITAGE
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc (RAFI) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), that forged a shared commitment to the implementation of initiatives dubbed under the “Kabilin” projects
With culture and heritage as the unifying thread, RAFI and ICOMOS Philippines underwent strategic co-designing sessions following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last March 15, 2024, that formalized the partnership They shared each other’s resources and expertise to weave action plans geared towards activating resilient, prosperous and vibrant communities in Cebu enabled by their culture
The landmark collaboration is anchored by three pilot projects: National Training Course on Disaster Risk Management of Cultural Heritage (DRMCH); Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Santo Niño Devotion (ICHSN); and Mobilizing Philippine Heritage as a driver and enabler of Sustainable Development (MPHSD) Each has a specific purpose for the promotion, conservation and protection of tangible and intangible cultural assets DRMCH is aimed at protecting heritage monuments and sites amidst the vulnerability of the Philippines to natural hazards and human-induced disasters
ICHSN is directed to dive into Cebuano’s religious identity and awareness, safeguarding the deep devotion of the Child Jesus, Sr Santo Niño, translated into customs and traditions handed down across generations
With 5 years left, MPHSD will play a vital role in optimizing Cebu’s cherished heritage as a valuable contribution to the 2030 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Based in a 2022 Kantar survey, 9 out of 10 respondents are very proud to be Filipinos, but they lack funding for culture-rich materials and opportunities As a result, 1 in every 2 Filipino youths will never be open to participating in advocacy movements related to culture and heritage This inadequate recognition and prioritization of culture and heritage caused massive destruction of relevant artifacts and historical sites and the fading value of cultural practices
RAFI and ICOMOS Philippines have long championed the promotion of culture and heritage as an integral aspect of the nation’s growth and progress, and these projects shall further augment both organizations efforts for a vibrant and regenerative Cebu
THE ROAD TO HAPPY AND HEALTHY CEBUANO CHILDREN STARTS WITH STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
THE ROAD TO HAPPY AND HEALTHY CEBUANO
CHILDREN STARTS WITH STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
A dream to see happy and healthy Cebuano children is becoming a reality with the recent signing of the Tripartite and Bipartite Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) for Project SINAG ECH/N in Cebu City On March 6, 2024 RAFI signed a MOA with the following partners:
Brgy. Carreta x RAFI (Bipartite)
Brgy Mambaling x RAFI x Glory Reborn Organization (Tripartite)
Brgy Sambag II x RAFI x Southwestern University PHINMA (Tripartite)
The collaboration among local barangays, RAFI, and partner organizations like SWU PHINMA and Glory Reborn Organization is integral to the success of Project SINAG. SWU PHINMA's presence in Sambag II and Glory Reborn Organization's interventions in Mambaling are essential
"This used to be just a dream now having everyone here on board [ ] I know there's like 80 barangays, but we can always start somewhere. Today we get to define a moment of starting somewhere with the three barangays and with our partnership. This is indeed a milestone and something to look forward to, it is something that we can add on our core memory, as we continue as partner in this stakeholder ship that we call," Ron Anudin, Cebu City Nutrition Network (CCNN) Chair expressed during the MOA signing activity.
These partnerships highlight the shared commitment to ensuring every child in Cebu grows up happy, healthy, and well-supported
RAFI, DOH, LGU ALCANTARA BRINGS PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CLOSER TO THE COMMUNITY
Healthier lives for Cebuanos. In a move towards improving healthcare for the people of Cebu, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc (RAFI), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Municipality of Alcantara have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of Alcantara C A R E S This tripartite partnership is driven by the goal of advancing the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and empowering local government units (LGUs) to create responsive, community-based healthcare systems
At the heart of the collaboration is RAFI's Transformative Program, Alcantara C A R E S (Cebuano Communities with Access to Relevant & Equitable Primary Healthcare Services) This program consolidates all existing and proposed health-related interventions from RAFI, focusing on addressing primary healthcare gaps in the community
EJACC PARTNERS WITH DOH R7 AND MANDAUE CITY FOR NATIONAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH EVENT
The C A R E S program aims to reduce mortality and morbidity rates by strengthening local healthcare services and programs This is done by enhancing local capabilities to tackle healthcare challenges while encouraging greater community participation in primary healthcare
Aligned with the Alcantara's Health Sector Strategy's vision, C A R E S works to achieve better, equitable health outcomes by focusing on responsive health systems and strengthening local primary healthcare Additionally, the program will support LGUs in implementing the Universal Health Care Act, ensuring that healthcare becomes more accessible and effective for every Cebuano
A big step in bringing the dream of healthier lives closer to reality.
In celebration of National Cancer Awareness Month, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 7 has partnered with the City of Mandaue to host a special event aimed at raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection
As a long-time collaborator of Mandaue, the RAFI Eduardo J Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) was invited as a key stakeholder to set up a kiosk and share valuable information about its programs and services today at EJACC has been working closely with the Mandaue LGU by providing medical supplies for mass screening and referring patients for further care
This event aligns with the global theme for the celebration, "United by Unique" a three-year campaign that serves as a reminder of the many lives impacted by cancer and the collective commitment to end the disease through improved care, education, and more This engagement is significant for RAFI EJACC, as it strongly promotes screening and early detection because early detection saves lives
RAFI JOINS ARISE PHILIPPINES GENERAL MEMBERS MEETING
To promote disaster resilience, RAFI participated in the ARISE Philippines General Members Meeting ARISE Philippines is a local network of the UNDRR ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies), which seeks to explore opportunities for networking and partnerships
ARISE Philippines advocates for the SENDAI Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, an UN-led international agreement The framework aims to sustainably reduce disaster risks and losses in lives, livelihoods, health, and in the economic, physical, social, cultural, and environmental assets of individuals, businesses, communities, and nations
TRUE TO BRAND AND PURPOSE
Thirty (30) RAFInians are now Certified TATAK RAFI after completing the Brand Attributes: Deep Dive Session on Monday, January 27, 2024 This marks the first brand cascade of the year, offering RAFInians an opportunity to strengthen their personal connection to and understanding of the RAFI brand and its attributes It was also a great chance to refresh knowledge and appreciation of RAFI's brand assets and other essential materials, ensuring consistency in brand delivery
After the training, each RAFInian participant was gifted a RAFI Bag containing collateral materials about the brand
ANDAM MO ALAGAD SA KOMUNIDAD
In our relief response for those affected by the fire on March 2 in Sitio Naba, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu we have successfully delivered assistance to the community. A total of 195 relief packs were dropped off at the Barangay Hall today. Each pack contains 2 cans of corned beef, 4 cans of sardines, 8 sachets of instant coffee, and 5kg of rice The relief effort benefits 195 families, with 185 families directly affected by the fire.
THE ROAD TO HAPPY AND HEALTHY CEBUANO CHILDREN STARTS WITH STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
IMPACT ON THE USAID FUNDING FREEZE
The orld is grappling ith the s spension of f nds of US AID co ntless local national and
With this suspension, we can expect devastating impact affecting millions of people While mitigation measures are put in place, there are limitations to fully protect our partner communities. The are 39 ongoing projects that are USAID funded in the Philippines as January 2025, 14 were set to be completed this year while 25 were slated to continue until 2026 or beyond.
This disruption compels us to be adaptive and to work together We can tap our local networks and alliances so we can leverage on what we already do best, synergize on joint advocacies, promote volunteerism and strengthen stakeholder support We need to strengthen regional ties and leverage on local resources
