Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, learn with confidence, and reach their full potential. Achieving this requires more than the efforts of one organization. It takes families, communities, local leaders, and partners working together.

Reinforcing this shared commitment, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and the Municipality of Cordova formalized their partnership to advance inclusive and responsive Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on July 20, 2026, at the Cordova Municipal Hall.

The collaboration brings together the strengths of the local government, community stakeholders, and RAFI to strengthen responsive caregiving, early learning, child health and nutrition, and informed family participation. Together, they aim to ensure that children receive the care and support they need during their most critical years of development.

Present during the ceremonial signing were Cordova Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan, RAFI representatives led by Marie Sol Gonzalvo , RAFI Executive Director for North and Central Cebu Portfolio, Legal Consultant Atty. Christian Kong, Public Information Officer Marjun Baguio, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office Head Perlito Mahinay, along with representatives from partner offices and community stakeholders.

The initiative recognizes that nurturing a child’s development extends beyond the home or the classroom. It requires coordinated action among parents, educators, health workers, barangays, local government offices, and community partners to create an environment where children can thrive.

Mayor Suan underscored this shared vision, emphasizing that every child deserves access to the care, protection, and opportunities needed to succeed in school and in life.

By strengthening collaboration across sectors, the initiative aims to improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood services in Cordova while empowering families and communities to become active partners in raising healthier, better-prepared children.

For RAFI, the partnership reflects the belief that lasting impact begins with collective action. When communities work together for a shared purpose, they create stronger support systems that allow children to grow, learn, and flourish. As the partnership moves forward, RAFI and its partners remain committed to strengthening collaboration and shared responsibility to help ensure that every child receives the best possible start in life.