We are thrilled to announce a major institutional milestone! The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), a premier government agency, has officially approved a grant of ₱782,000 to co-fund our brand-new flagship medical initiative, “Bite Into Health.” This vital national funding arrives at a critical juncture, helping us offset operational pressures caused by sponsor cancellations over the past years.
True community transformation happens when local expertise meets global solidarity. We recently experienced a vibrant day of health and partnership at our center when the prestigious University of the Philippines Dental Health Brigade (UP DHB) arrived alongside our longtime international partner, Dr. Thomas Mrosk of the Rotary Club of Papenburg (Germany).
At Pag-asa, our deepest commitment is transforming our youth into values-driven leaders. In April, 17 children from our youth theater group, Teatro Pag-asa, traveled to Tarlac City for a for-a-cause musical concert titled Youth and Hope at the San Sebastian Cathedral, organized alongside the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tarlac and the Focolare Movement.
In July, three typhoons hit our communities. Pag-asa reactivated PAGtulong Relief Operations, reaching families in Tagaytay, Noveleta, Batangas, and a partner Focolare community in Manila. This mission was made possible through the extraordinary kindness of Dr. Dr. Johannes-Georg and Mrs. Christine Margit Hoppe and their 25 friends, who turned their 80th birthday celebration into a gift of hope for families in need.
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 country’s 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.