Frequently Asked Questions
Web / Frequently Asked Questions
> How is RAFI related to the Aboitiz Group of Companies?
While it carries and stems from the same prominent family of the Aboitizes, RAFI concerns itself primarily with the upliftment of the society through developmental means. It is a non-profit, non-stock organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of communities. RAFI is a family-based foundation stemming from the philosophy of our founder, "the dignity of man is best respected by helping him realize his hopes and by sharing with him the burden of his fears." However, Aboitiz and Co. remains our partner in the business arena while the Aboitiz Group Foundation, Inc. is the social development arm of the Aboitiz Group of Companies.
> Who is Don Ramon Aboitiz?
Don Ramon Aboitiz is the founder of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. Don Ramon, as he was fondly called, was born on November 16, 1887 to Paulino Aboitiz and Emilia Yrastorza in Ormoc City. He was the 4th child in a family of 10. He grew up closely assisting his father in the family store, buying and selling abaca, from where he learned the intricacies of business at a very early age. Despite his very busy schedule, he still found time to do charity work. RAFI seeks to live out his philantropic legacy through its programs and projects.
> Who is Rafi?
Whenever you call our office, the person who answers will most probably say, "RAFI, good morning/afternoon!" This does not mean that someone with the name of RAFI is at the end of the line to assist you. RAFI is the acronym for Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. We are merely informing you that you have reached our office. There is no one named Raffy in the team as of the present.
> Where is Rafi?
Our office is located at 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City. It is in the heart of the historic trading site of Cebu in Parian. Our main office is at the 5th floor of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center.
> What is RAFI's area of coverage?
Although mainly located in the province of Cebu, neighboring provinces and regions have also benefited from its programs and services.
> What is RAFI's program focus or areas of concern?
Agriculture, Agrarian Reform and Rural Development
Arts and Cultural Heritage
Gender and Development
Governance
Health and Nutrition
Livelihood and Enterprise Development
Micro Credit/ Micro Finance
Sustainable Development and Environment
Youth Formation and Human Resources Development
> How does RAFI choose which institutions to provide grants to?
RAFI supports institutions that are in line with our areas of focus or concern.
> How can we apply for funding grants?
Initially, you may apply for funding grants by sending a letter addressed to the Chief Operating Officer stating the details of the program which you seek funding for. Your proposals will be screened according to the criteria and policies set for grant making. Further actions will be discussed with the proponent after the funding has been approved in principle.
> How does RAFI support its programs?
In as much as RAFI's programs seek to be self-sustaining, RAFI also seeks partners who will be able to help in keeping its brand of service at top quality. The foundation is also supported by the endowment fund from its founder.
> Who are RAFI's partners in its programs?
We acknowledge that there are many players in the arena of development; we are just one of them. We try to choose the area in which we feel that we have developed our capabilities in and work from there. But even in our field of specialty, we can never say that we were able to cover all bases accordingly, thus, the need for us to build and strengthen partnerships.
Quite a number of RAFI's projects entail working with local government units, therefore, we always maintain a harmonious working relationship with them. We also tap the private sector and other NGOs to be our partners in the great development scheme.