The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) was recognized for its extensive humanitarian work by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 7 (RDRRMC 7).
RAFI received a plaque of recognition for participating in the Gawad Kalasag Special Awards for Civil Society Organization category. The award recognizes organizations who successfully implement disaster risk reduction and management programs and advocacies.
RAFI comes with an extensive history of over 55 years of community service and with more than 40 years spent in responding to disasters in Cebu and across the country.
Throughout its years of service, the foundation has worked closely with government agencies, private and international organizations in responding to the social, physical, and economic needs of communities affected by disasters. Its earliest response efforts can be traced back to 1976, working closely with the former Cebu Governor Eduard R. Gullas for the establishment of the “Cebu Integrated Relief Committee.”
Earlier in the year, RAFI, through its Humanitarian Disaster Preparedness and Response program (RAFI HDPR), responded to the impact left by Super Typhoon Odette (International: Rai) and supported typhoon-affected communities. A total of 192,104 individuals benefitted of the humanitarian response efforts in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Southern Leyte, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental.
Most recently, the foundation responded to the earthquake in Abra, Northern Luzon and provided relief packs, water filters and hygiene kits to affected communities. RAFI HDPR partnered with the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc., Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation and JCI Angeles Culiat in the distribution of these items.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition. RAFI is committed to upholding the dignity of man by working with communities to elevate their well-being. We will continue to work closely with local government units and support their disaster risk reduction and management efforts, and respond to communities affected by disasters,” said Pet John Rom, Manager of the RAFI Humanitarian Disaster Preparedness and Response program.
RAFI HDPR recently provided basic life support and first aid training to 157 local disaster risk reduction and management officers from 12 Cebu government units.
