[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off” disabled=”off”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/etet-copy.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1px” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”][/et_pb_fullwidth_image][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” custom_padding=”0||0px|” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off” disabled=”off”][et_pb_fullwidth_header background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” header_fullscreen=”off” header_scroll_down=”off” scroll_down_icon=”;” scroll_down_icon_size=”45px” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” content_orientation=”center” image_orientation=”center” title_font_size=”37px” subhead_font_size=”22px” content_font_size=”30px” custom_button_one=”off” button_one_text_size=”20″ button_one_use_icon=”on” button_one_icon_placement=”right” button_one_on_hover=”on” button_one_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ custom_button_two=”off” button_two_text_size=”20″ button_two_use_icon=”on” button_two_icon_placement=”right” button_two_on_hover=”on” button_two_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ disabled=”off” inline_fonts=”Merriweather”]
IAMRAFI: Nesting Foundations of Learning
The Story of Bantayan Engineer and Environmental Planner, Ethereal ‘Et et’ Diaz, RAFI-DACF Partner
By Marco Paulo Trajano Deligero & RAFI-DACF | March 20, 2018
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px|54px|0px” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”Section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” use_custom_gutter=”off” gutter_width=”3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”on” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”on” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”on” parallax_4=”off” parallax_method_4=”on” admin_label=”Row” disabled=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ disabled=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” admin_label=”Text” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off” inline_fonts=”Lato”][/et_pb_text][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”justified” admin_label=”Text” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off” inline_fonts=”Abel”]
For Engineer and Environmental Planner of Bantayan, Ethereal ‘Et et’ Diaz, her profession is her instrument in making a difference in the lives of her fellow Bantayanos.
Her involvement with RAFI-DACF, as partner, makes her realize the importance of education in the lives of children, which will eventually contribute to the future of Bantayan, Cebu.
Engineer ‘Et et’ of Bantayan
In 2009, the Municipal Planning & Development Coordinator of Bantayan, Engineer and Environmental Planner, Ethereal Diaz, Engineer ‘Et et’ to her friends and colleagues, started her partnership with the Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI-DACF).
“As far as I could remember, I started the partnership with RAFI in 2009, it was for the RAFI School Rehabilitation Programs (SRP) in Bantayan.”
“I am responsible for the supervision of the projects from the pre-implementation phase to project implementation. I help in the identification of target beneficiaries, recommendation of what barangays are available and open for the projects, preparation of technical documents, until the turn-over of the projects, to name a few.” Engineer Et et said.
More than the Handprints on the Wall
For Engineer Et et, her profession is her way of giving back to her fellow Bantayanons.
“I continuously support RAFI because I believe in RAFI’s brand promise of elevating lives through a comprehensive approach that champions best practices in community development.”
“RAFI delivers what they promise. For example here in Bantayan, if they say that they will provide day care centers, they will [really] deliver.”
“The project package of RAFI is always holistic, it’s complete; from the day care centers to the educational and psychological needs of children, RAFI always provides what we need.” Engineer Et et said.
Taking on the Challenge
In implementing the RAFI-DACF projects, Engineer, Et et experiences lots of challenges.
“First thing we always consider is the availability of lots in the barangay. Regardless of how much you want to push through with a project in a certain location, there are times when there are difficulties in the availability of lots in an identified barangay.”
“To address this issue, the Local Government Unit (LGU) through our office, and RAFI-DACF look for possible donors within the Barangay who are willing to donate [their] lots.”
“The barangays were always very happy when they are chosen to be the RAFI barangay beneficiary.”
“And this makes me glad, I feel like I’ve made my own contribution in the lives of my fellow Bantayanons — It’s all worth-it!” Engineer Et et said.
From Challenges to Concrete Changes
Engineer Et et thinks that the childhood years are the most important factor to consider in the holistic growth of a child.
“The main purpose of this project is not just to build day care centers but to help in nurturing the minds of the children by providing them accessible, safe and sound learning centers where they could learn new things through interactions and hands-on activities.”
“Providing the children their jumpstart in education and life through building day care centers can be considered my contribution to the future of Bantayan.” Engineer Et et added.
‘Kinsa na si RAFI?’
Engineer Et et even shared a funny story during one of the turn-over ceremonies.
“There was a time during one of the turn-overs of the day care centers when the children were asked to prepare to welcome RAFI, their staff and some members of the Aboitiz family…”
“Of course, knowing children, some were impatient. When they were asked to practice their welcome greetings, some children asked ‘kinsa na si RAFI?’ (Who is RAFI?), and we can’t help but laugh.”
“The children thought that RAFI was a person, so we explained to them that RAFI is an organization consisting of people who are consistently making a difference. — Si RAFI ayo na (RAFI is good).” Engineer Et et said.
Remembering Sir Bobby
Engineer Et et is very thankful for all the help of the late RAFI President, Roberto ‘Bobby’ Aboitiz.
“I know how much Sir Bobby loved Bantayan, Cebu.” Engineer Et et said.
“I could really say that Sir Bobby is one of the reasons for the growth of Bantayan, making it what it is today.”
“Dako kaayo ang natabang ni Sir Bobby. (Sir Bobby has helped us a lot.)” She added.
“Have you seen the video where Bantayan honored Sir Bobby? That is our tribute to the great man, Sir Bobby, that shows the impact of what he has done for us. Children don’t need to cross the sea to go to school, anymore.”
“Now, because of Sir Bobby and the Aboitiz family, and their dedication & love for Bantayan, we already have day care centers conducive for learning.” Engineer Et et said.
People She Admires and Thank For
“First, I thank God for giving me this opportunity, I know now why I am in this profession, and this makes me complete.”
“To my family who are always there to make me smile whenever work is difficult, you are my everything.”
“To the RAFI-DACF, the Aboitiz family, especially Sir Bobby and Ms. Amaya, who have given everything they could for Bantayan, thank you very much.”
“With my story, I hope I was able to inspire people, especially RAFI partners, to continue, no matter how big the waves you face, it will be all worth it in the end. This is my story and I am happy. #IAMRAFI.”
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”WA” url_new_window=”off” use_background_color=”on” background_color=”rgba(126,190,197,0)” background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”center” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1px” border_style=”solid” custom_button=”off” button_text_size=”20″ button_use_icon=”on” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ disabled=”off”]
WATCH BANTAYAN LGU’S TRIBUTE TO SIR BOBBY HERE!
[/et_pb_cta][et_pb_code disabled=”off”][/et_pb_code][et_pb_slider show_arrows=”on” show_pagination=”on” auto=”on” auto_speed=”5000″ auto_ignore_hover=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” remove_inner_shadow=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” hide_content_on_mobile=”off” hide_cta_on_mobile=”off” show_image_video_mobile=”on” admin_label=”Slider” header_font_size=”48px” header_letter_spacing=”43px” header_line_height=”2em” body_font=”Arimo||||” body_font_size=”20px” body_line_height=”1px” custom_button=”off” button_text_size=”20″ button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ disabled=”off”][et_pb_slide button_link=”#” background_image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/engr-et-diaz.jpg” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/engr-et-diaz.jpg” use_bg_overlay=”on” bg_overlay_color=”rgba(40,40,40,0.57)” alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” allow_player_pause=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ header_letter_spacing=”29px” body_font=”Arimo|on|||” body_font_size=”12px” body_letter_spacing=”0px” body_line_height=”23.2px” body_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” disabled=”off”]
“Providing the children their jump start in education and life through building day care centers can be considered my contribution to the future of Bantayan.”
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide button_link=”#” background_image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/engr-et-diaz-10.jpg” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” allow_player_pause=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ disabled=”off”][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide button_link=”#” background_image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/engr-et-diaz-9.jpg” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/engr-et-diaz-9.jpg” use_bg_overlay=”on” bg_overlay_color=”rgba(40,40,40,0.57)” alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” allow_player_pause=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ header_letter_spacing=”29px” body_font=”Arimo|on|||” body_font_size=”12px” body_letter_spacing=”0px” body_line_height=”23.2px” body_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” disabled=”off”]
“My family who are always there to make me smile whenever work is difficult, you are my my everything.”
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide button_link=”#” background_image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/engr-et-diaz-4.jpg” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” allow_player_pause=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ disabled=”off”][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide button_link=”#” background_image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ENGR-ET-DIAZ-7.jpg” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” allow_player_pause=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ disabled=”off”][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide button_link=”#” background_image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/engr-et-diaz-5.jpg” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” allow_player_pause=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ disabled=”off”][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide button_link=”#” background_image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/18.-Sillon-DCC-Daycare-New-Const..jpg” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” allow_player_pause=”off”][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide button_link=”#” background_image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/25.-Oboob-DCC-Daycare-Repair.jpg” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” allow_player_pause=”off”][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide button_link=”#” background_image=”https://www.rafi.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/27.-Baigad-DCC-Daycare-Repair.jpg” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” allow_player_pause=”off”][/et_pb_slide][/et_pb_slider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
