The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) proudly launches its first-ever Panagtapok Series, a portfolio of targeted engagement activities designed to foster collaboration among existing stakeholders and strengthen community relations in achieving common goals. The inaugural event, themed “Garbo ug Pagpanag-iya,” coincides with Philippines Independence Day week and aims to promote a sense of pride and place among the 30 attendees from RAFI’s neighboring barangays: Tinago and Parian’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials as one of the initiatives leading to the launch of RAFI’s transformative program called Cebloom.

In Cebloom’s initial stages, RAFI is gearing up and establishes the programby working with its communities to transform Cebu to a brighter and blooming city as it already is. Through the Panagtapok event, it hopes to spark interest from community leaders in boosting tourism through the culture and heritage sites within their jurisdiction. Held at the historic Casa Gorordo Museum, the activities began with a museum tour, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of Cebu. The tour highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting our cultural assets, reinforcing the importance of heritage in shaping our community identity. RAFI’s Executive Director for Social Wellbeing Cluster encapsulates her message of support and hopes in two Ps: Padayon sa Pagpakabana ug Pagpakigbanay, Pasalamat ug Pagpanag-iya.

“Padayon sa Pagpakabana ug Pagpakigbanay, kita usa ta ka pamilya. We are not just neighbors, but we come from the same roots. Diri sa Parian ug Tinago, our history goes a long way. This year, RAFI is celebrating its 58 years as a foundation and in all those 58 years, ang commitment ni RAFI not just to its programs but to its communities remains steadfast and strong, walay pagduhaduha. Kita usa ta ka dakong banay, and we really should work together. Mapasalamaton ug pagpanag-iya, kinsa man diay ang magbantay ug mo make sure to protect what we have here kung dili kita. Kita ang tag-iya and whatever happens in our community kita, naa tay mabuhat, it is up to us,” she expressed.

A key feature of the Panagtapok Series was a Q&A discussion on best practices led by the two experienced barangay captains namely, Hon. Lucita Lazarte Brgy. Captain of Parian and Hon. Dennis Arciaga Brgy. Captain of Tinago. This session provided a platform for knowledge sharing and dialogue on effective community management strategies, fostering a collaborative environment where leaders could learn from each other’s experiences.

The event also facilitated networking and community bonding among participants, creating opportunities for Barangay and SK officials from Tinago and Parian to connect and share their thoughts on promoting culture and heritage appreciation and boosting tourism.

The Panagtapok Series will continue to explore various themes and activities, moving community leaders together, to listen, to learn, and to collectively work towards the shared vision of vibrant, prosperous and resilient communities.