The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) and the City of Cebu formalized their partnership through a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), on January 26, 2026 at the Cebu City Hall, forging a shared commitment to implement programs and projects that support the well-being of Cebuano communities.

Through this partnership, RAFI and City of Cebu will work together on shared initiatives that support early childhood health and nutrition, youth development, basic education, and the protection of culture and heritage particularly in Cebu. These programs are aligned with the City’s goals and aspirations and support the national republic acts to reflect a unified vision of healthy and vibrant Cebuano communities. The collaboration will be carried out through inclusive, community-based interventions that address key social concerns across sectors.

For early childhood care and development, both organizations will focus on improving the lives of young children by working together to support their overall health and well-being, particularly through nutrition and health interventions. Planned activities include information and education campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, knowledge management, and other forms of support to promote the holistic development of children.

In basic education, the partnership responds to the pressing challenge of learning poverty in the Philippines, where nine out of ten Filipino children aged 10 struggle to read simple texts. RAFI and the City of Cebu aim to help bridge learning gaps through remediation sessions in schools, while strengthening the entire learning ecosystem by engaging teachers, parents, and local leaders. The shared goal is to support every learner in Cebu City to become literate and numerate by age 10.

Youth civic engagement is also a key focus of the partnership. Recognizing that the youth as vital contributors to nation-building and the society, the collaboration will consolidate existing and proposed youth-focused initiatives to address gaps in civic engagement. Programs will aim to strengthen local capacities, encourage meaningful community participation and develop the leadership skills of young people so they can create positive impacts in their communities.

Lastly, Cebu holds a significant part in the Philippine history, with Cebuano communities serving as bearers and keepers of this rich cultural heritage. Through this partnership, RAFI and the City of Cebu hope to strengthen community identity, by preserving culture and heritage and fostering inclusive local economies to empower local communities as drivers of sustainable development.

As RAFI charts its journey toward 60 years of service, it continues to work alongside communities to uplift lives and create lasting impact. This partnership with the City of Cebu reflects a shared hope for communities where every member is empowered, resilient, and able to thrive.