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The Assisi Development Foundation’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP) supports students from underprivileged families who show both academic potential and financial need. By covering tuition and other educational expenses, the program enables deserving students to complete their education. Before 2013, students of Colegio de San Francisco Javier (CSFJ) largely shouldered their own tuition. That year, through the initiative of Fr. Zafra, Assisi partnered with CSFJ to extend

Growing up, education often felt like an impossible dream. My family faced financial struggles, but we pressed on with hope and determination. Then tragedy struck: my parents were involved in a serious accident that left them both disabled. Our challenges multiplied, yet my mother’s perseverance and humility became a daily reminder that strength is found in resilience. I longed to be a source of strength for my family and a role model for my community. That opportunity came t

For over a decade, the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) and the Government of Canada have forged a strong partnership championing the rights and welfare of Indigenous Peoples. As Canadians, we are committed to acknowledging the truths of our shared history and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. As Prime Minister Carney affirmed, “The government will work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples—advancing shared priorities such as health care, food securit

Since 2009, Risen Savior Missions has had the privilege of working alongside Ambassador Howard Q. Dee and Benjie Abadiano of the Assisi Development Foundation. Through Hapag-Asa, our collaboration has provided over 150 million Feed My Starving Children  meals to malnourished and starving children across the Philippines. These meals have been nothing short of life-saving miracles, restoring children’s health, enabling them to attend school, graduate, and lead productive lives.

(based on an essay and interview by Ambassador Howard Q. Dee, November 23, 1930 – August 21, 2024) As the Assisi Development Foundation prepares to mark its golden anniversary in 2025, it is fitting to return to the moment of its birth—to remember the storm out of which this quiet force for justice and peace first emerged. The year was 1975. The Philippines was caught in a whirlwind of upheaval. Martial Law had just been declared. Civil liberties were curtailed. Political dis

The National Retreat for Priests (NRP 2023) was held on November 7–9, 2023, in Cebu City with the theme, “Priesthood: A Call to Holiness.”  It was a collaborative effort of Marian Solidarity, the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Clergy, the Archdiocese of Cebu, and CHARIS Philippines. Through the initiatives of Marian Solidarity, represented by Carmela and Victoria Borres, Sister Briege McKenna, OSC, and Fr. Pablo de Romani were invited to facilitate the retreat. The CBCP Epi

In 2011, as Family Rosary Crusade prepared for the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, Ambassador Howard Dee inspired a bold vision: to pray for all 200 nations of the world. Despite health challenges, I was tasked to lead the campaign. With the support of Fr. Roque D’Costa, dedicated partners like Mely Diaz, and many volunteers, the plan came alive. From October 2011 to May 2012, Catholics across the Philippines prayed the Rosary daily for one nation at a time. Prayer b

The Marian Solidarity for Pope Francis is an alliance of the nation’s Marian movements and organizations. Originally founded as the Marian Solidarity for Pope John Paul II, it later supported the pontificates of Benedict XVI and now Pope Francis. We are guided by our former envoy to the Vatican, Ambassador Howard Dee, and led by Ma. Victoria Borres. While we undertake large programs, we primarily support initiatives of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP

As the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) approaches its 50th anniversary, Kythe expresses deep gratitude for our meaningful partnership since 2022. Your mission to empower and uplift marginalized communities through innovative programs fosters a society rooted in faith, love, equity, and justice. We are blessed and honored to be part of this noble endeavor. Similarly, Kythe remains committed to providing medical assistance and psychosocial support to chronically ill childre

Kumusta ka na? (How are you?) — this simple yet powerful question marked the beginning of our encounter with Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. through Mr. Benjamin Abadiano in a Zoom meeting. This connection opened a space for meaningful dialogue, where culture and life intersected, setting the stage for a collaborative mission among the indigenous peoples of Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Throughout this journey, Sir Benjie listened intently to our stories—our joys, struggles, and cha

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

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

On behalf of our institution, we extend our warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADFI) on your 50th Founding Anniversary. We are deeply grateful for your support since the beginning of our partnership in March 2023. The Hospice of St. Margaret of Cortona, Inc. (HSMCI), under the care of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts, sincerely thanks ADFI’s management and employees for being active partners in transforming the l

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

Congratulations on 50 years of transforming lives! Since 1974, your work has touched countless individuals and communities, and we at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) are honored to be part of this journey. Our partnership has been more than collaboration—it has been a shared mission for lasting change. Through the Indigenous Peoples Education Program, we have established three IP schools, developed culture-based curricula, and created learning materials in Subanon and S

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) for sharing PhilSEED’s vision of social and economic prosperity for farmers in Region IX, the region with the highest poverty incidence in the Philippines. Despite being a young organization, founded in May 2023, you placed your trust in us without hesitation. Your support has been instrumental in launching a research-based pilot program to test our assumption that rehabilitating abandoned and unproduc

Helbert “Hil” Pamat is a registered Tagakolu teacher and is known as one of the most passionate and creative educators among his peers. For over 10 years, he has dedicated his life to teaching his community at the Malita Tagakaulo Mission, ensuring that his pupils receive quality, relevant, and culture-based education at the IP School Lebleb. Since 2021, Hil’s salary and ongoing training have been supported by Assisi’s PIP-IP education program. Before the establishment of the

We would not be where we are today without the individuals and organizations that have journeyed with us through the years. You, the Assisi Development Foundation, are among those who have stood by us, and for that, we extend our deepest and endless gratitude—especially to Ma’am Viel and Sir Ben. For over a decade, you have walked with us, strengthening our resolve to dream not just for ourselves but for our entire community. Through your support, we claimed our ancestral dom

In 1998, a water system was constructed in Sitio Sanggaya, Barangay Baylanan, in the Municipality of Talakag, Bukidnon. However, by 2000, the community had begun to grow, and during a prolonged drought, residents struggled to meet their daily water needs. “We had to fetch water at midnight, fearing there wouldn’t be enough for our household,” resident Violita Samontao said. During this drought, the community resorted to fetching water from Kipang-ol, the nearest available sou

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