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As a former Assisi scholar and now a partner in implementing Assisi Development Foundation Inc. (ADFI) programs at the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk (AVT), I am deeply grateful for this remarkable institution. My journey reminds me of the words of St. Francis of Assisi: “You should never praise anyone until you see how he turns out in the end.” ADFI’s scholarship support during its partnership with the International Association for Transformation (IAT) played a crucial role in

The Local Government Unit of Botolan wholeheartedly recognizes and appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADFI) to our municipality, particularly in advancing land and livelihood (L&L) initiatives in the eastern barangays. Every program has been carefully tailored to address the specific needs and aspirations of our communities. This inclusive approach, built on extensive consultations and dialogues with diverse tribal clans and f

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

Since becoming the Director of Tugdaan Mangyan Center in 1997, I have been blessed to receive guidance and support from Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) in our mission to uplift the lives of the Mangyan communities in Paitan and surrounding areas. ADF has supported our work over the years, and in the last three years, through the Partnership with Indigenous Peoples Program, its assistance has intensified. This program aims to improve the lives of the Mangyan communities, n

SAILING TOWARDS A HEALTHIER FUTURE In the heart of the Philippines, where waters connect countless islands, the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation (YBH) has long been steering children in marginalized communities toward brighter futures. Our mission has always been clear: to ensure that no Filipino child is left behind, especially in education. But we recognize that learning begins long before a child enters the classroom—it starts with proper nourishment, the foundation of both

Annamarie Lasola of Barangay Tawagan Sur in Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur has witnessed the positive impact of the Hapag-Asa Integrated Feeding Program on her family. Her twin children, Renzel and RenZet, born on August 23, 2019, were four years old when the program began. At the time, both children had significantly low height and weight for their age and often appeared lethargic. They struggled with basic school activities, such as identifying colors and engaging in clas

Through the years, Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) has been a valuable partner of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and various Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) across the country. Sharing a vision of a united nation that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and equality, we have worked together to recognize, promote, and protect the rights and welfare of ICCs/IPs. A key milestone in this collaboration was the Memorandum of Agre

In the 1980s, when the Philippine NGO community faced challenges in accessing international development funds, the Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADF)—led by its Founder and Chairperson, Ambassador Howard Q. Dee—took the initiative to address this issue. In 1985, ADF, together with four other Philippine NGO networks, engaged the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in discussions to increase Canadian funding support for NGO activities in the country. This ef

As Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) marks its 50th anniversary, we at Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation are deeply grateful for our enduring partnership, founded on our shared Catholic faith and mission to uplift the poor. This divine collaboration has been instrumental in guiding countless individuals toward their fullest human potential. Our journey together began when His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, D.D., founder of Pondo ng Pinoy, and Ambassador Howard De

Since 2002, the Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADF) has been accredited by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC), demonstrating its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. For over two decades, ADF has consistently undergone PCNC’s rigorous accreditation process—not only to maintain its donee institution status with the Bureau of Internal Revenue but, more importantly, to uphold the highest ethical standards in the NGO s

First of all, congratulations on your Golden Anniversary, ADF! As the Association of Foundations (AF) celebrated its 50th year two years ago, it brings us great joy to see an AF member reach the same milestone. You are an invaluable partner of the Association of Foundations. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of one million to the AF endowment fund. While AF is now the largest network of NGOs and foundations, with over 250 members, our socialized annua

The partnership between Misereor and the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) dates back to 2003. It is, by now, a long-lasting partnership. Over the years, both organizations have shared experiences and overcome challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties, ADF demonstrated creativity, innovation, and dedication to ensuring that no one was left behind during this time. From its inception, ADF has been committed to implementing the Indigenous Ri

Congratulations to ADF on its 50 years of faithful service and impact! At Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), we value partners who share our mission of bringing hope and transformation to those in need. ADF has been one of those rare and special partners. For more than 15 years, FMSC has worked side by side with ADF to bring life-changing food to communities in the Philippines. The ADF team has shown professionalism, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. One highlight was t

As we celebrate ADF’s 50th anniversary, we, at HOPE International Development Agency (Canada), are filled with immense gratitude and pride for our invaluable partnership over the years. ADF has strengthened us in many ways, and our understanding of working with Indigenous Peoples (IPs) has been profoundly shaped by ADF’s deep knowledge and experience. You have taught us the importance of cultural sensitivity, self-governance of indigenous lands, and the self-reliance of IPs,

Ate Angie Dalupan starts her day at 4 a.m. By 5 a.m., she and two fellow parish volunteers take a 30-minute tricycle ride from their Hapag-Asa homebase to the wet market near San Isidro Labrador Parish in Antipolo Hills. This has been her routine for six months whenever their parish participates in the HAPAG-ASA Integrated Nutrition Program, a collaboration between the Ministry on Social Action, Human Development, and Caritas (MSAHDC) of the Diocese of Antipolo and the Assisi

As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF), I am deeply grateful for the enduring partnership between Caritas Novaliches and ADF. Since our formal establishment in 2005, ADF has been a steadfast ally in our mission to uplift the marginalized within the Diocese of Novaliches. Before the Hapag-Asa Nutrition Program, many families in our community struggled with malnutrition and poverty. ADF’s initiative brought nutritious meals, health educa

I first learned about the Hapag-Asa Feeding Program when Caritas Masbate conducted an orientation at Lague-Lague Elementary School. When I became Principal of Malbug Elementary School, I immediately reached out to Caritas Masbate to express my intent to implement the program at our school. Their visit ignited a sense of hope in me that change and blessings would follow for our students. The feeding program has significantly improved the nutritional status and academic perform

My institution, Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC), has spent 40 years striving to keep education relevant for the “last, the least, and the lost.” As a small private Catholic community college, survival has always meant balancing stable enrollment with financial sustainability, while keeping education inclusive and accessible. Community service was strong, but academic support for underserved students remained limited. This is where my story with the Assisi Development F

My introduction to the Assisi Development Foundation came through its Tabang Mindanao Program. During a trip to Pagadian City with the Assumption Sisters to meet Bishop Antonio Tobias, I learned about Assisi’s mission: to alleviate the suffering of the underprivileged in the Philippines, especially indigenous communities. When I began handling the Educational Assistance Program (EAP)—founded as the Piniyalan Community by Sr. Michelle L. Gamboa in 2004—I saw firsthand how it t

“If your father and I had finished college and become professionals, you would never have experienced living in poverty.” My mother used to tell me this when she was still alive. I come from a poor family. My parents are gardeners, and we live in a small house far from the city. Most of our neighbors are also gardeners or farmers, and that is how we all make a living. Poverty is widespread in our community, and many people my age could not go to or finish college due to finan