Stories of Impact

Milo Abellano’s journey from adversity to independence is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of second chances. Hailing from Sula, Bacay, Albay, Milo’s story began in Cavite, where he worked as a factory laborer and later as an air conditioning technician at the Manila Peninsula. Despite his hard work and high school education, Milo struggled to achieve financial stability, earning just 200 pesos a day. In 2021, Milo’s life took an unexpect

As the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) celebrates 50 years of dedicated service to Filipino society, we honor our impactful four-year partnership with Kalipay Negrense Foundation, Inc., which began in 2021. This collaboration emerged at a critical time during the pandemic when Kalipay faced dwindling sponsorships and donations. ADF’s support ensured that Kalipay could continue its mission—welcoming abused, abandoned, and neglected children and providing them with essentia

Bahay Maria, Inc. has evolved over 42 years, but its foundation remains rooted in the Assisi Program, named by founder Amb. Howard Q. Dee. In 1990, Carmela and Vicky Borres took residence in the "Home of Mary" at 95 Amapola St., Bel-Air 3, Makati City, marking a significant chapter in its mission. In 1983, following Ninoy Aquino’s death, Howard Dee and the Rosary Movement, led by His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, proposed to the CBCP a Marian Year (1984-1985). Bahay Maria serv

In 2021, Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) was introduced to us through an orientation meeting with our local chief executive, department heads, and local partners. During the meeting, we learned that ADF is a social development organization focused on supporting poor and vulnerable communities, especially Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Before ADF’s involvement, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Madalag did not have any specific programs or projects for IP communities, and the

After nearly four years with the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF), I have witnessed firsthand its profound impact on the growth of indigenous leaders and their communities in Himamaylan City. As a Community Facilitator for the Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples (PIP) Program, a collaboration between ADF and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Himamaylan, I have seen remarkable transformation in the lives of many community members. Before the PIP Program, many indigenous l