Pusong dalisay at tunay

Amidst all the gloom and doom of our current situation, with seemingly no sign of any light at the end of the tunnel, my spirit was uplifted by two recent events I had the privilege of attending.

The Assisi Development Foundation marked its 50th anniversary last month with a look-back celebration with family, friends and many of its partners. The only sad note was that Assisi founder Ambassador Howard Dee was not present, having passed away in August last year. But his widow Betty was in attendance, at 94 still active and as gracious – and beautiful – as ever (we should all aspire to age like her!).

The Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) was started in 1975 – “nearly three years after the declaration of martial law, (but) the government’s promise of a progressive new society remained unfulfilled” – by Ambassador Dee and Fr. Fritz Araneta to carry out development programs for the poor. Ending poverty in the Philippines was Ambassador Dee’s over-arching goal – “an aspiration that may seem impossible, yet one he pursued with unwavering hope,” said Viel Aquino-Dee, chair of the ADF.

Viel, Ambassador Dee’s daughter-in-law, succinctly expressed in her opening remarks the mission of the ADF and the pivotal role of Ambassador Dee in carrying out this mission.

“For five decades, Assisi had embarked on a wide range of development initiatives including sustainable agriculture, water systems, educational assistance, feeding malnourished children, relief and rehabilitation of war-torn and calamity-stricken areas, empowering indigenous communities, microfinance for entrepreneurial women and more. Yet today, we find ourselves still searching for ways to alleviate poverty in our country.

“Up to his last breath, Howard Dee was looking for ways to improve the lives of poor Filipinos. Despite his failing eyesight and a much weakened body resulting from his bout with COVID and various complications, he would spend many hours in front of his computer daily. He would share articles about how malnourished children could also be suffering from stunted brains, or he would carefully analyze surveys on self-rated poverty.

“He even reached out to Dr. Mahar Mangahas of the Social Weather Stations to help him understand how self-rated poverty could be so different from the official poverty statistics released by the government. Already in his 90s, he would occasionally visit the office and enthusiastically sit down with Ben (Abadiano, president of ADF) for long discussions on what other new projects Assisi can pursue.

“Howard Dee (also referred to as HQD or Amba) left us with enough anecdotes to remind us of what Assisi is all about. In his memory, we shall continue to feed and rehabilitate malnourished children, provide educational assistance so college graduates can uplift their family from a life of daily struggles, and we shall strengthen our role as a prime advocate for indigenous peoples’ concerns. And of course, we will never neglect our Blessed Mother, as we initiate or support activities that honor and manifest our love for her.”

The phrase in the title was how one beneficiary described the ADF, how its workers came into his community, not to exploit or take advantage of the people and the community’s resources, but only to serve – with a heart that is pure and true.

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It’s becoming a tradition that our gang hies off to Tagaytay in November for some chill – literal and figurative – and to join the annual festive lighting of the Christmas tree at the Taal Vista Hotel, the country’s second oldest hotel. Now 86 years old, this grand dame by the volcano lake is getting her second wind, with renovated rooms, a presidential villa set to open early next year and a new menu at the Taza restaurant showcasing ingredients sourced from nearby communities – beef from Batangas, for example, and fresh greens and herbs from the many garden farms that thrive in the cool climes of the area.

The hotel was recently named a Community Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub by the United Nations Association (UNA)-Philippines and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC), acknowledging its role in the preservation of heritage and culture (the history not just of the hotel but of the community – and the volcano – is told in exhibits placed throughout the property, including why the talakitok became the maliputo and the sardine became the tawilis) and promotion of sustainability and community-based initiatives.

“By anchoring a Peace Center in a Filipino heritage landmark like Taal Vista, we declare that peace is not built in conference halls alone – it begins where history, culture and community meet. UN’s sustainable goals are not just policies; they are a living promise to humanity,” the UNGC said.

Flying the United Nations flag in front of the hotel is a constant reminder of “our collective commitment to peace – because no matter which country we come from, we are united under one flag, the flag of the United Nations.”

Together with the conferment, Elizabeth Sy, SM hotels president, was honored with the UNA Presidential Medal and World Changers Award for “her leadership in heritage preservation, sustainable tourism and community empowerment” through SM hotels, which now has a portfolio of 10 establishments.

A poignant moment came at the end of dinner, when the kitchen and service staff were introduced (a most laudable practice) to the appreciative guests, with the announcement that long-time sous chef Kim Dalisay was being promoted to executive sous chef, now second in command in charge of all restaurants and banquet operations of the hotel. He was totally stunned – he turned beet red – and his subsequent response was almost incoherent with emotion. It was a fitting end to a wonderful evening, a toast to service, to tradition, to history.