AMIDST the economic downturn that struck the Aweca Group of Companies -- the main source of funding of the Aweca Foundation, Incorporated (AFI) --  the men and women behind this institution has not been remiss in continuing its vocation and commitment of responsive care for the greater interest and welfare of the less fortunate.

In 2008, the Aweca Group of Companies – an exporter of furniture and furnishings -- experienced what all other Philippine exporters have encountered -- the unprecedented appreciation of the Philippine Peso as well as the slowdown in business brought about by the global recession. With this double whammy that beset the companies, the Aweca Group had to make a lot of “out of the box” adjustments in order to survive.   

During the time of recession, the AFI workforce stayed strong in the power of dreaming, believing and surviving. The Foundation continues to move forward with greater determination, passing the test of time.

Through the strong faith that God will give them greatest strength in times of crisis, Ma. Rollyn Palo, vice president of the Aweca Agro Forest Industries, Inc., -- sister company of the Aweca Group of Companies and the Vice President/Executive Director of AFI -- says the Lord has answered their prayers beyond their expectations as AFI attained things they would not even dare to imagine.

“I felt God’s power in my special prayer for help, since our foundation’s works for our less fortunate brethren for the past 16 years are now in jeopardy,” Palo said

However, AFI recalled that they have experienced sleepless nights considering that what they have done and envisioned for more than 16 years will come to pass.

Consistently, for several years, AFI has found its life in helping the indigenous people, out-of-school children and youth, women and families; the protection and conservation of environment through its Sagip Kalikasan and the implementation of programs in education and capability building.

Palo said her recollection brings her back in 1998 when her late husband - -Leonardo M. Palo, then Executive Director of the foundation -- once told her that she has a good and gentle heart and that whatever her heart desires, it will lead her there.

“With our present condition, my heart is telling me that I should not lose hope for there are philanthropists who are more than willing to extend a helping hand. I still nurture the thought of remaining an instrument in whatever capacity to help not only our beneficiaries but also to other less fortunate brothers and sisters,” she  said.

During this time of uncertainties, Palo and her staff remained optimistic as they believe that in crisis, there comes an opportunity.

“What is important is that we remain true and steadfast in our commitment to assist the vulnerable sector of our society and we firmly believe and trust in the power of prayers,” Palo said.

With this relentless faith in God’s mercy, the Aweca Foundation, Incorporated found a light of feasible hope through their timely affiliation in 2008 with Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)-Asia. Palo, being the head of AFI, was given a lifetime experience as she was invited and sponsored to attend a meeting with CGI Asia in Hong Kong, led by former US President Bill Clinton aimed at making a positive and sustainable social change in the lives of our people.

“AFI’s affiliation to CGI Asia has opened a lot of opportunities – the answer to our fervent prayers for help and survival,” she said.

“The organization found it as truly a great blessing. Though short with resources, what matters most is the dignity and reputation the institution brought and wishes to still bring,” Palo added

Palo said they have lost their main source of funds, but their faith in God, their commitment and accomplishments in serving the marginalized families and communities have spoken for their continuous existence and remain as their wealth and weapon to strive for more. Truly, she said, Aweca Foundation stays alive in times of crisis.

 It can be noted that AFI’s dedication and commitment brought about not only accomplishments but also recognitions AFI has never dreamed of. 

Under the leadership of Palo, Aweca Agro-Forest, the 5,000-hectare reforestation project of the Aweca Group, was awarded as model IFMA holder and outstanding performance in maintaining the integrity of the forest.  

The Aweca Foundation on the other hand also gained various commendations here and abroad such as Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan (GAPAS Awards) for Best NGO, 2000; Runner-up Best NGO (Gapas Award) in National level in 2002; Nomination in Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize in 2004; Candidacy in King Baudouin Foundation in 2004; and Project Entry under Education Category in Asian CSR Awards in 2007.

Palo close up and personal

If asked whether or not she considers herself a successful woman now, Palo  will definitely say “ yes” because she has earned precious gifts of values that became ways and means for her to be a servant, an inspiration, and a blessing to people.

She often says, “At the end of the day, I can say to the Lord that I am really very grateful to Him that He has showered me with such blessings and I know that God is very happy for that.”

According to Rollyn, success for her is having an inner fulfillment especially in serving people and knowing that one has molded a family that could be an asset to the society.

Her eldest, Ma. Pearl Rossette, is a requirements analyst at Wallem Innovative Solutions; her second, Ma. Teresa Ninalyn, a flight attendant at United Arab Emirates; and her youngest, Ma. Ladyrem,  a 9-year-old, Grade 3 pupil then when her father died, is  now the Jr. Sales Executive at Calfurn Mfg. Philippines. 

All of them possess rightful values which she considers as her greatest accomplishments, above all.

Some of AFI’s Programs and Services

School Caravan: Community-Based Trade School. As of now, the Foundation in partnership with Western Union Company and Western Union Foundation in coordination with TESDA-Pampanga is now conducting free skills training on Hairdressing, Massage Therapy, Small Engine Repair, Beauty Care, Cellphone Repair, Food Processing, Agricultural Production and Enterprise Development benefiting 300 out-of school youth in the Province of Pampanga.

AFI considers education as its major thrust as it believes in the well known adage that says, "Education is the key to break the cycle of poverty.”

From the street children who thirst from the power of learning, the youth who understands the essence of knowledge, up to the indigenous people who were being deprived from the privilege of being educated, AFI extends its hand in sharing the gift of education.

The changes and impact it creates in the lives of the people it serves have inspired the Foundation to continue its noble undertakings and spread its heartwarming message to other communities and agencies. Truly, nothing in this world may replace the joy of being able to create a big difference in the lives of other people, much more, when seeing them grow and help themselves as well. Perhaps, that explains the power of “touching lives trough Education.

Child Educational Assistance Project. Since 1996, a total of 146 street children, out-of-school youths, and indigenous people from different towns of Pampanga were provided with educational assistance. Beneficiaries belong to below average income earner families.

Of these scholars, around 49 students completed their secondary education and 11 obtained their respective degrees in Business Agriculture, Agro-Forestry, Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Accountancy, Computer Science, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Education, Mathematics, Home Economics. Out of 11 college graduates, four of them passed licensure examination for Teaching, Agricultural Engineering and Accountancy.

Literacy And Training Assistance For Indigenous People Project. The AFI in partnership with the United Parcel Services, International and UPS Foundation has successfully implemented the project “Development of Literacy and Training Assistance for Indigenous People”, which commenced in December of 2005. Around 140 working youths and adults, alongside with 491 other family members from the communities of Bucaran, Malabni, Tirya, and Sampalok in Floridablanca, Pampanga were provided with basic skills in reading, writing, counting, and significant life skills through the trained Community Educators and developed self-learning modules. Series of trainings on crop production, livestock raising, handicrafts, pottery making, native jewelry making, food processing, product designing, and enterprise management were also conducted.