The persistent issue of poverty in the Philippines remains one of the country's most significant challenges, with millions of Filipinos unable to meet their basic needs for food, health, education, housing, and other essential services. According to the 2023 Poverty Statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 15.5% of the population, or approximately 17.54 million people, were classified as poor in 2023. This means they are unable to achieve a standard of living that meets the basic requirements for a healthy and productive life. Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADF) has a crucial role to play in addressing these issues. ADF’s vision of a multi-cultural Filipino society that reclaims its basic rights to peace and sustainable development speaks directly to the need for systemic change in the country’s approach to poverty alleviation. To effectively carry out this mission, ADF must be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the current poverty landscape, the key drivers of poverty, and the potential avenues for intervention. By understanding the realities of poverty—especially in rural, urban, and Indigenous contexts—ADF can design and implement more informed, culturally-sensitive, and effective programs that align with the goals of SDG 1, and contribute to the broader vision of a just and equitable society.

Social Development Work in the Philippines has significantly evolved, with the government and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) playing key roles. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) oversees multiple social welfare programs aimed at poverty alleviation and community empowerment, which align closely with the mission of the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF). Engaging in innovative practices including integrating technology, ensures that ADF remains responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. However, ADF recognizes the need for continuous reflection and exploration of various interventions and initiatives to strengthen our existing efforts including understanding the evolving landscape of social development work. This learning session is designed to provide staff members with insights into current trends, methodologies, and best practices in social development, which will inform our evaluation and strategic planning processes. By adopting contemporary approaches, ADF can enhance its strategic planning and improve its effectiveness in service delivery.

For 26 years, Assisi Development Foundation’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP) seeks out partners with a vision for transformative education and niche in family engagement and community extension to increase access of profiled families and communities, to formal education in elementary and secondary levels and tertiary levels in prescribed standard educational institutions (public and private). The passage of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931) in August 2017 which provides for free tuition and other school fees in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and state-run technical-vocational institutions 1 (TVIs), has necessitated a shift in the focus of the EAP. EAP has adapted its approach to prioritize tertiary education and non-formal education through technical and vocational education. This emphasis on employability skills, particularly in addition to and within the framework of technical vocational program, is crucial in equipping EAP grantees with the necessary competencies to thrive in the workforce and contribute to their families’ and communities’ well-being. This aligns with the core belief that a college-educated individual can significantly contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty within their family.

The year 2025 has been declared a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church — a special season of grace, a sacred time for rest, renewal, and reflection not only for humanity but for the earth and all creation. Within the Franciscan family, we also mark the 800th anniversary of the “Canticle of the Creatures,” a beautiful hymn composed by Saint Francis of Assisi himself that celebrates his spirituality of kinship and solidarity with all beings. This makes it a profoundly meaningful moment for us to pause, reflect, and give thanks as we also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Assisi Development Foundation. It is a time to look back and recognize how God has moved in our lives and our work — to express gratitude for the countless graces we have received, and to renew our commitment to the mission entrusted to us. Through this gathering, we humbly ask for the grace to see God’s hand and feel His abiding love in the work we do in Assisi… in the communities we accompany… as well as in our own lives and families — all inspired by the Poverello of Assisi, the little man of God. May this retreat, strengthen our bonds with one another and rekindle our strength, inspiration, and passion as we continue to journey in solidarity with the people we are called to serve.

Health and Nutrition are fundamental to one’s well-being and are one of the primary determinants for one’s ability to thrive and contribute to the society. In the Philippines, people continue to face a complex nutritional landscape characterized by triple burden of malnutrition. These burdens include the persistent and substantial proportion of children that are undernourished. Second is the rising number of overweight and obesity due to changing dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyle. And third is the hidden hunger described by widespread micronutrient deficiency due to limitations in food access and food availability. According to recent reports, the Philippines continues to face significant challenges in improving the overall health and nutrition of its population despite multiple efforts provided by the government and private sector. This challenge eventually leads to long-term consequences to the development of the country. For half a century, the Assisi Development Foundation Inc. (ADF) has been deeply involved and fully committed in the developmental and community work to foster growth, alleviate poverty, strengthen systems and provide opportunities. As the organization commemorates the 50th Anniversary this 2025, we recognize the need to invest in the future generation of the country through sustainable initiatives especially on health and nutrition, among others. Hence, beyond the celebration of the achievements and partnerships built, this learning session shall also provide a venue to examine the status, challenges and the opportunities within the health and nutrition landscape in the development sector.

The work of the Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADF) with Indigenous communities can be traced back to 1991, when it first responded to the plight of the Ayta communities affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. What began as a humanitarian response evolved into a stronger advocacy for Indigenous self-determination, especially after the late Ambassador Howard Q. Dee, ADF’s co-founder, was appointed Adviser on Indigenous Peoples Affairs under the Office of the President in 2002. The passage of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 was a milestone that institutionalized the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the Philippines. In the decades that followed, ADF journeyed with Indigenous communities in various parts of the country, forging meaningful partnerships, advocating for their rights, supporting culturally rooted development initiatives, and helping strengthen capacities for self-determination. Despite these efforts, and those of many other partners and communities, systemic exclusion of Indigenous Peoples persists: limited access to basic services, limited livelihood opportunities, displacement due to extractive development, and continuing political and cultural marginalization. At the same time, Indigenous communities face new and emerging challenges—from climate change and biodiversity loss, to digital misinformation and intergenerational disconnection. As ADF marks its 50th founding anniversary this year, it is timely to reflect on where we have been and where we want to go in the decades ahead. This learning session seeks to contribute to that reflection by revisiting the past, understanding present realities, and charting future directions for IP advocacy and development.

The agricultural sector is a vital part of the Philippine economy, employing approximately 24.3% of the workforce and contributing significantly to the national GDP. However, it faces substantial challenges that contribute to poverty and food insecurity, especially in rural areas. Issues such as limited access to farmland and agricultural assets hinder productivity, while post-harvest losses reduce farmers' incomes and increase food waste. Furthermore, agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, leading to crop damage and losses that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. In response, the government has implemented policy reforms and programs focused on agricultural modernization, sustainability, and resiliency. Concurrently, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have engaged in community-based initiatives promoting sustainable land management practices and empowering local communities through education and training in agroecological farming methods. Despite these efforts, significant gaps persist, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in the country. Recognizing agriculture's critical role in national development, this learning session, as part of its 50th-anniversary celebration, aims to provide ADF with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector, enabling the organization to refine its strategies and enhance its contribution to resilient and sustainable agricultural development in the Philippines.