A moment of profound gratitude and well-deserved recognition. The heart-shaped trophy speaks volumes.
Since its establishment in 1997, the Pag-asa Social Center has dedicated itself to demonstrating love for our neighbors. Situated in the lush hills of Tagaytay, the center has been providing essential support to families in need by offering health, educational and livelihood assistance, as well as human and values formation for children and their families. However, we still aspire to do more and to do better. We envision a future where we can extend our reach to more communities and provide even more comprehensive support to those in need. With the help of generous donors and dedicated volunteers, this vision can become a reality.
As of now, our center, which has a staff of only seven people, is making a significant impact on the lives of 215 children and young people (5-23 years old) from 144 low-income families in different barangays or local districts in Tagaytay and along the coastal area of Noveleta in the province of Cavite. Our educational, medical and nutritional assistance along with other services are helping these young individuals to build a brighter future. Tagaytay, the city where our center is located, overlooks Manila Bay to the north, Laguna de Bay to the east, and Taal Volcano and Taal Lake to the south. As of the 2020 census, this city, with a population of 85,330, covers a total land area of 65 square kilometers, which makes up 4.37% of the entire land area of the Cavite Province.
The OnePuhunan team gathers with the young beneficiaries of their outreach activityâspreading hope, joy, and essential support at our multi-purpose hall.
PAG-ASA BEARS FRUITSâŠIN TWOS
Dear long-time friends and newfound ones,
In this issue, we would like to share the fruits of your generosity. If you are reading our newsletter for the first time and considering to lend a helping hand, please know that your âinvestmentâ would go far beyond what your moneyâs worth. This act of charity brings about a deeper richness: the sense of purpose, the joy of giving, and the truth that no act of kindness is ever too small. Your involvement in this endeavor is not a one-way street â those whom you support can give back in ways that may surprise you, ways that will touch your life in return.
TWO SIGNIFICANT MILESTONESÂ
Our untiring efforts to become a beacon of hope for children, families and communities in need have led us to these two significant milestones. We received not one, but two incredible recognitions. Before 2024 ended, Pag-asa Social Center Foundation, Inc. was honored with a prestigious national award. We were recognized as one of the countryâs Top Five Outstanding Social Work Agencies. And in early 2025, we were also named the Best NGO in the Region, an award that was officially received in March.
Two recognitions â one from the region and one at the national level. Two celebrations, one proud team, and a renewed drive to keep going. We remain grounded in our core values while being grateful for these honors. We are even more excited to announce that we have been nominated again for the next national award cycle.
TWO STAKEHOLDERS: COMPANIES & COMMUNITIES
When businesses give back to the society, everybody wins. ZERO-IN CONCEPT, an event production company, brought joy to 285 children by throwing a Christmas party, complete with gift boxes and McDonaldâs meals â a treat some children could only dream of. Meanwhile, ONEPUHUNAN, a financial institution, shared food packages with our beneficiaries and grocery supplies with the Center.
These companies show that profitability and social responsibility can â and should â go hand in hand. One hand builds the business while the other uplifts the community.
IT TAKES TWOÂ
Every dental mission leaves behind more than clean smiles â it sparks hope and spreads awareness. We organized two dental missions in just six months:
- The first, courtesy of Dr. Dr. Thomas Mrosk of the Rotary Club of Papenburg, Germany, who featured live educational content on Facebook and real-time dental care. With Jörn Peters assisting, the âTwo Hands, One Missionâ team provided essential oral care with warmth and dedication.
- The second, through the efforts of Puli-Gallemit Dental Clinic, which sent three dentists â Dr. John Michael A. Serrano, Dr. Marian Camille R. Pagaddu, and Dr. Nicole Anne P. Gallemit â who offered both clinical services (cleaning and extraction) and education (oral hygiene lessons and fluoride applications).
Together, they delivered healing â two smiles at a time.Â
Building a better world, one box at a time. These young heroes are zeroing in on making a difference.  A powerful display of compassion. #ZEROINCONCEPT
Measuring more than just weight; measuring compassion. Tagaytay Medical Centerâs anniversary outreach is a testament to their commitment to the community.
TWO FEET GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Dr. Ulrike Mrosk from Germany travelled to our underserved communities to offer medical services in her first medical mission, serving 40 grateful patients. And as part of their anniversary celebration, Tagaytay Medical Center, in partnership with Pag-asa, conducted a large-scale medical outreach, providing screenings and medications â all free of charge.
With every step, our partners and volunteers are walking the extra mile to reach those in need.
Hopeful smiles, healthy futures. The âTwo Hands, One Missionâ team, making a difference.
Seven steps to a dazzling smile. These dental volunteers are sharing their expertise, one patient at a time.
TWO BECOME ONE â STRONGER TOGETHER
We are proud to officially announce the unification of Pag-asa Social Center Foundation, Inc. and Bukas Palad-Tagaytay Foundation, Inc., two social centers both operating in Tagaytay under the management of the Focolare Movement.
Though we started as two separate foundations, our vision has always been aligned. Effective July 31, we are joining forces under the name of Pag-asa Social Center Foundation, Inc.
This merger would combine our resources, strengths and decades of rich experience â to enable us to reach farther and do more. Our shared values of compassion, integrity, and sustainable change remain at the heart of our mission.
To our partners, communities and friends: thank you for continuing to walk with us. As we move forward, we remain â One organization. One mission. One heart.
Your Pag-asa family
A Testament to Compassion. The warmth in the eyes of our dedicated young volunteers from Texas, Joel and William Tan, and the generosity in their hands speak volumes. Their selfless spirit and quiet strength are truly inspiring. #OnePuhunan