Profile
History
Founded by Don Ramon Aboitiz in 1966, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization committed to reshaping the future by enabling the non-government, private and people’s organization into a sector capable of democratizing development initiatives.
At the start, the Foundation was purely a charitable institution that is anchored on the philosophy of its founder, “The dignity of man is best respected by helping him realize his hopes and by sharing with him the burden of his fears.” As the foundation grew, RAFI became a resource agency in the 1980s where it leveraged financial support to other development organizations in the country. With the funding assistance from foreign agencies, RAFI dispensed these funds to partner NGOs and POs, thereby enhancing their capacities to carry out programs aimed at improving the quality of life of people.
The Foundation however, continues to ascertain and define its role relative to the changing development needs of communities. To date, RAFI has evolved from merely a charitable institution and as a resource agency into an institution that adopts democracy-based and people-centered development. It focuses its capabilities in developing people and making them partners in development.
To achieve this, RAFI developed its own programs that cater to different areas of concern. The Foundation’s interventions aimed at addressing various issues and concerns are anchored on its belief in the dynamic interplay of government, non-government organizations, the business sector, and the civil society as essential components in forging social development.
Programs Teams
RAFI's eight programs are engaged in health, education, environment, community development, youth development, children welfare and development, women empowerment, citizenship and governance, and heritage conservation.
The Center for Integrated Area Development (CIAD) is a community-based program that aims to establish self-reliant communities through the process of participation and empowerment. Participation and empowerment are holistic undertakings that utilize the capabilities of both the community and the local government units.
The Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) facilitates the forum for the exchange of ideas and understanding choices. It is a venue for dialogue, competency, and relationship building and a center for concepts and initiatives that promote sustainable human development.
Providing opportunities to hardworking women engaged in small businesses and thus hoping to alleviate women and their families from poverty is the thrust of the Cebu Micro-Enterprise Development Foundation, Inc. (CMEDFI). It envisions a harmonious and productive community where each family lives a life of prosperity, dignity, responsibility and decency.
The Cultural Heritage Program (CHP) aims to preserve cultural heritage and promote local history. It advocates the promotion of social history, understanding of Cebuano ethnicity, and concern for historic preservation.
The Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) serves as a coordinating system that links people and institutions towards cancer awareness, prevention, and treatment. EJACC is linked with the International Agency for Research and Cancer (IARC) with its Cebu Population-Based Cancer Registry, the third internationally accredited population-based registry in the Philippines and the only one in the Visayas.
Extending financial assistance to partner development organizations in carrying out programs aimed at improving human life and conditions in the communities is the thrust of the Office of Humanitarian Relations and Services (OHRS) - the resource unit that is instrumental in pursuing direct social interventions for the marginalized members of society. It extends financial assistance to programs aimed at improving the quality of life and conditions in the community.
Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) is a youth leadership formation program, espouses experiential adventure-based education. Participants are taught how to apply the skills, concepts, and attitudes they have learned from the camp to future life situations as well as to individual and team performance.
The Dolores S. Aboitiz Children's Fund (DACF) focuses on children’s needs and concerns. By making grants available to children-oriented programs, it aims to contribute to the protection and interventions that build children’s wisdom and resiliency. Dolores S. Aboitiz Children’s Fund works with other stakeholders in creating child nurturing communities and families. It also strives to provide better opportunities for children to achieve optimum development of their potentials.
Support Teams
The four (4) Support Teams assist the program teams and the entire operation of the Foundation.
The Finance and Administration Team attains the financial sufficiency and sustainability of RAFI by providing financial data, working towards optimum use of resources and recovery of costs, and safeguarding the Foundation's assets and properties.
The Human Resources Department aims to achieve excellence through personnel development and maximum utilization of human potential and resources.
Keeping the Foundation abreast with the latest technological advancements in order to ensure a fast and efficient internal and external communications is the thrust of the Information Technology Department.
The Communications Team maximizes the efficiency of communication by providing avenues for change and social development through information dissemination.
Geographical Reach (program and service areas)
Although the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) is mainly located in the province of Cebu, its neighboring provinces and regions also benefited from its programs and services.
Over the years, the Foundation served the following areas: Baguio, Metro Manila, Samar, Leyte, Cebu Province, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Siquijor, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Davao, and Cotabato.
RAFI established partnerships with both local and international academic institutions, government units, non-government organizations, resource agencies, and people’s organizations.
Strategies
The Foundation’s main program strategies are community organizing, networking, and advocacy.
Partnership and collaboration with other sectors and institutions gained the Foundation a positive experience that much can be achieved if teamwork and synergy are enhanced. It considers essential that people are united in effecting the desired change.