Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation,Philippines,Inc

27/11/2025

ONWARD WITH PARTNERSHIPS FOR ENTERPRISE ENHANCEMENT

Linkage and Partnership plays a vital role in every aspect, especially in business and marketing.

The Cebu FEEL Project held a Linkage and Partnership Meeting w/ business and cooperative institutions from Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapulapu City and Cordova on November 20, 2025. This activity brought an opportunity towards the promotion of the products of the participants of the FEEL Project.

In attendance were general managers and chairpersons of cooperatives in Metro Cebu, as well as the Marketing Head of one of the largest cooperative federation in the Philippines, the VICTO National Federation of Cooperatives, and the FEEL Project participants designated of coordinators for the marketing concerns of their group. Discussed was focused on making an avenue for the products to have a designated display area in the business and stores of the cooperatives. Representatives from the cooperatives present gave a positive response to the partnership.

Together with the designated Product (or Market) Coordinators coming from the FEEL Participants themselves, an actual visit to the business and coop-stores in the immediate period will follow. By this, the product promotion and marketing of our FEEL participants will be boosted or enhanced through partnership.

Kudos to every COOPERATIVE who opened-up their Institutions to FEEL Participants.
(The Cebu Families Education for Enhanced Livelihood (FEEL) Project is assisted by the Edmund Rice Foundation)



Australia

21/11/2025

November 19, 2025
Future-Proofing with Mangroves

In the river swamps of Sama Bajau Community Brgy. Dolho, Bato, Leyte, a movement took root—literally and symbolically. Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation Philippines led a mangrove planting initiative in the heart of the Sama Bajau community, where a once idle and forgotten swamp has now become a ground of hope.

With their own hands, the Sama Bajau Indigenous People planted 1,500 mangrove seedlings, each one a promise of protection and resilience. These seedlings will soon rise as a living shield—nature’s own fortress—standing guard against floods, typhoons, and the harshest calamities. Not man-made, not purchased, but a divine gift from Mother Nature: free, life-giving, and essential.

This is more than an environmental effort.
It is a covenant—a pledge to grow, to protect, and to strengthen a community long shaped by the sea. A future anchored not in fear of the waves, but in the strength of roots taking hold beneath them.

17/11/2025

November 17, 2025 — Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ERMFPI), through the Building an Inclusive and Resilient Community Project, visited and sat in during the council meeting of Barangay Punong, Municipality of Bato, Leyte, to formalize a partnership for the protection and restoration of the mangrove areas along the barangay’s coastline.

Barangay Punong, being one of the coastal communities of Bato, Leyte, urgently needs strengthened mangrove propagation and protection efforts to safeguard its shoreline.

Through this partnership, it was agreed that the Barangay Council will establish an ordinance creating the first Barangay Punong Mangrove Protected Area, focusing on mangrove propagation, conservation, and long-term protection. In support, ERMFPI will donate ready-to-plant mangrove seedlings produced by the Sama Bajau Community of Dolho, Bato, Leyte.

Together, let us work hand in hand to restore and protect Mother Nature through sustained mangrove planting and stewardship. 🌱🌊

17/11/2025

November 7 & 8, 2025
Presence & Compassion

The cries of the families who scrambled for safety in evacuation centers were heard. When Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) came and left, ERMFP Cebu families raised their plea for assistance. The Edmund Rice community volunteers came to help in planning and implementing the typhoon Tino relief operations before the super typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong) arrives.

"This is our way of bringing Christ's presence, as the example of Bl. Edmund."

"Salamat, Edmund Rice!" is the unending response from 130 families reached out in Cebu City barangays Carreta, Tinago, Tejero and San Roque.

07/11/2025

Amidst the devastation brought by Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi) many stilt houses and fishing boats of our Sama Bajau brothers and sisters in Dolho, Bato, Leyte were damaged. Yet, by God’s grace and their swift evacuation, not a single life was lost. Truly, life remains the most precious gift of all.

Here at Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation Philippines, Inc., we may not have much, but we give what we can with a sincere heart. We were able to share 170 food packs to the Sama Bajau families whose lives and livelihoods were heavily affected—guided always by our mission to serve the least, the last, and the lost.

This is just one community, among the many areas of where the vulnerable are assisted by ERMFPI.

Together, with the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice, may we continue to bring compassion, purpose, and hope to a world often shaken by storms and calamities.

Bl. Edmund, pray for us.

06/11/2025

Truly I can say is to thank ERMFPI FAMILY and Communities (Maasin and Bato) for being with you all the wonderful years of 12 and counting. BOT BOM CEO PM STAFF and all. We are one in this AWARD of Distinction to profess the meaning of SOCIAL WORK.

ERMFPI is proud to extend its warmest congratulations to its President, Mdm. Lucia Estella Grace A. Abaa, for being awarded the "Award of Distinction in the Field of Social Work" from the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI).

According to Mdm. Abaa, "This recognition is more than a plaque—it’s a reflection of every life touched, every challenge faced, and every community that has taught me the real meaning of compassion and service."

Congratulations, Maam Grace! ERMFPI is proud of you!

23/10/2025

ERMFPI is proud to extend its warmest congratulations to its President, Mdm. Lucia Estella Grace A. Abaa, for being awarded the "Award of Distinction in the Field of Social Work" from the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI).

According to Mdm. Abaa, "This recognition is more than a plaque—it’s a reflection of every life touched, every challenge faced, and every community that has taught me the real meaning of compassion and service."

Congratulations, Maam Grace! ERMFPI is proud of you!

21/10/2025

October 17, 2025
Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation Philippines, Inc. joins the celebration with Sama Bajau High School Learners of Bato National High School in honoring the National Indigenous Peoples Month with the theme:
“Ang Ating Pandayin ang Kinabukasan, Gabay ang Katutubong Karunungan at Karapatan.”

True to the mission of Blessed Edmund Rice, whose heart beats for education that uplifts the least, the last, and the lost, we continue to stand with our Indigenous People—our Sama Bajau Community—in their pursuit of learning and empowerment.

Together, let us forge a future built on Compassionate Education—where every child, regardless of origin, learns with dignity, purpose, and hope.

21/10/2025

ERMFP Rising Roots of Hope — Mangroves Growing at Dawahon Island

Once, the small island barangay of Dawahon, Municipality of Bato, Leyte, stood helpless against the wrath of Typhoon Odette in December 2021. With no shield to guard its shores, the waves devoured homes and shattered boats — leaving the island wounded, yet unbroken.

But from that devastation, hope began to take root.

This October 15, 2025, The Greens came together with one purpose — to heal the island and protect its people through the planting of mangroves, nature’s silent guardians of the sea. The Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ERMFPI) provided 1,000 seedlings, while the Sama Bajau community of Dolho contributed 200 more, nurtured by the hands of volunteers and the hearts that care.

Through the united efforts of the Local Government of Bato, the League of Barangay Councilors – Committee on Infrastructure and Public Works, and the community Dawahon Island, a new line of defense has been planted — not of stone or steel, but of life.

Each seedling carries a promise:
A promise of protection against the raging seas.
A promise of renewal for the land and its people.
A promise of hope for the generations to come.

True to its mission, ERMFPI continues to stand for the least, the last, and the lost — leading efforts that nurture life and restore faith in what humanity can do together.

Let these mangroves grow not just as trees, but as symbols of resilience, compassion, and unity.

Together, let us protect our Mother Earth — for when we care for her, she, too, will care for us, and more.

18/10/2025

At the moment...
RESPONSE WITH COMPASSION

12/10/2025

October 7–8, 2025
Conference Hall, Balay Lungsod, Municipality of Bato, Leyte

Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation, Inc. (ERMFPI) successfully conducted Entrepreneurship Development Module 1–3 for the marginalized Indigenous People of Sama Bajau (Batch 2).

The training covered key modules on:
Unlocking Personal Competencies
The Art of Selling and Creating Business Networks.
Generating Business Ideas and Smart Investments, Savings and Spending.
Livelihood and Business Planning.

This is the continuing development services for the SamaBajau, through the BIRC Project supported by ERD/Misean Cara, and with partnership of the SLEMCOOP-Hilongos Branch dedicated to enhancing business and financial literacy among Sama Bajau communities. New partner RAFI Microfinance was invited to present their products abd services.

ERMFPI is also grateful to the Local Government Unit of Bato, Leyte for their unwavering support and for providing the venue for this meaningful endeavor.

Guided by the values of Presence, Compassion, and Liberation, ERMFPI remains steadfast in its mission to help partner communities rise above their current challenges—empowering them to build lives and livelihoods filled with heart and purpose.

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

11/10/2025

Collaborated Medical Mission - October 4, 2025
Kaagapay Outreach, Kaagapay Mo.

A medical mission initiated by RAFI Microfinance, in collaboration with Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ERMFPI), the Local Government Unit of Bato, Leyte, the Rural Health Unit–Bato, Leyte, and Private Doctors, dedicated to serving our fellow Batohanons, including our Indigenous People Sama Bajau Community.

Truly, when it comes to health concerns, we stand together—helping hand in hand for the marginalized, the least, the last, and the lost.

At ERMFPI, health and nutrition remain among our top priorities—guided by presence, compassion, and liberation.

Together, let’s build better communities and uplift lives.