Family advocates for change

(First of two parts)

MANILA, Philippines — Family helping out a member get past hurdles to achieve a goal is inherent, but a family helping other families have a good shot at life is noble.

For the Dickson family of Abra, Felix family of Pasay City, and Matti family of Taguig, helping others is not an act of nobility, but a gesture with the power to inspire and enable others to do the same. This is why they have dedicated their lives to making sure that others achieve the life they deserve.

The Dickson, Felix, and Matti families are three of the six honorees of the 7th Jollibee Family Values Awards, which recognizes families whose selfless dedication helps create a positive impact in their communities through various advocacies.

The awardees are chosen out of hundreds of nominations throughout the country yearly.

Doctors, Dreamers

Since 1994, Drs. Ramon and Auditha Dickson have reached out to the underserved communities of Abra through their own medical and dental missions. Over the years, they have exhausted efforts to bring these services to far-flung areas, even daring to visit areas only reachable by foot. Their children Ramarie and Ramon have grown up with these ministry sessions and have inherited both their parents’ line of work and dedication to others. 

“We learned as we grew older the purpose of having two hands: one hand to help ourselves, and the other hand to help others,” Ramon Henry said as they received their award last Oct. 11.

Today, Ramarie is a dentist like her mom, and Ramon Henry is a post-graduate medical intern like his dad. Together, they provide free services, vital equipment and medical supplies, and expertise in areas where such gaps exist in Abra. This family of doctors continues to prove that generosity and goodwill still thrive in today’s society.

“To borrow Jollibee’s [tagline], “Bida ang saya”, but the reality is, mas bida ang nagpapasaya,” Ramon Henry said.

20/20 Vision

The Felix family collectively sought ways to pay it forward for the sake of the underprivileged in their community. Optometrists Agnes and Paula saw it fit to focus their energy on a project where they can fruitfully apply their expertise and provide tangible results. The family thus hatched the idea of 20/20 Vision – the family’s efforts to provide eye check-ups and a total of 2,020 prescription glasses to those in need.

The Felix family is full force in this mission, with Agnes and Paula leading the eye examinations and Simeon and Hannah in charge of the smooth implementation of the project. A uniformed officer, Simeon enlisted the help of the Philippine Air Force to extend their mission from Metro Manila and areas in Luzon to many communities in Zamboanga. They have also tapped other civic organizations willing to lend a hand to their advocacy. With 1,301 glasses contributed to various communities since 2009, the target of the Felix family is within sight; but the family continues to direct its gaze towards the future with even bigger goals in mind.

Towards Greener Earth

The Matti family believes and shows that kindness begets kindness.

After receiving a sizable piece of farmland in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, James and Mylene Matti strived to pass on their blessing to nearby communities in San Miguel, Bulacan where they founded the Green Earth Heritage Foundation in 2008.

Helping replenish the mountain’s denuded forests and empowering farmer folks living in the area, the foundation introduced the community to organic farming and sustainable practices; set up a multi-product processing facility where they can deliver market-ready products; and sourced scholarships for farmers’ children.

Romnick Blanco, a farmer’s child, was welcomed to the Matti home in Manila so he could accept a scholarship from the International School Manila. He is slated to graduate and take up college in Harvard University, still under a scholarship.

Romnick helps in the family advocacy by bringing the topic of sustainable and organic farming to the forefront – how it has helped his community and how it can change more lives in the countryside.

“Sa mga kagaya kong kabataang Pilipino, all I can say is that let’s put our trust in the Lord, and he will make things possible,” he said.