Care Where Life Happens

Last September 2, the Pediatric Palliative Care team of the National Children’s Hospital hosted a workshop and stakeholder alignment on home-based palliative care, with the theme, “Care Where Life Happens.” The nurses of The Ruth Foundation joined palliative and hospice care practitioners from various fields for a day filled with insights, discussions, and activities, all geared toward strengthening and advancing the palliative and hospice care movement in the country.

Professor Julia Downing, Executive Director of the International Children’s Palliative Care Network and a global leader in pediatric palliative care, headlined the group of resource speakers, which included Dr. Resty Tan, Dean of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa College of Nursing, and Dr. Marianne Joy Naria-Maritana, Head of KWAGO-PGH. They covered topics on advancing pediatric palliative care, integrating palliative care into the nursing curriculum, and providing compassionate pediatric palliative care to communities across the Philippines.

The participants engaged in workshops that both sharpened their skills in handling community-based palliative care cases and helped identify their unique roles and contributions in promoting palliative care in the country.

The event concluded with everyone signifying their support and commitment to strengthening palliative care nursing in the Philippines by connecting people, practice, education, leadership, and professional development, guided by the mantra, “One Workforce, One Shared Purpose.”

We are blessed to be part of the growing landscape of palliative and hospice care in the Philippines and to take part in events that foster meaningful discussions, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections within our vibrant and active community.

Milestones & Horizons: International Conference on Children’s Palliative Care

Register to join this inspiring event hosted by the International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN). Together, we’ll bring hope and meaningful change to the lives of children with life-limiting illnesses.

This event is a celebration of progress and an exploration of new horizons, where advocates, caregivers, and pioneers come together to share knowledge, compassion, and purpose.

What to expect:
💙 Thought-provoking discussions
💙 A platform to connect with like-minded changemakers
💙 Opportunities to make a tangible impact on children’s lives

Be a part of this event and help pave the way for brighter futures. Visit https://icpcnconference.org/ to sign up!

WHEN: November 12-15, 2025
WHERE: Bellevue Hotel, Muntinlupa City

The Ruth Foundation Celebrates 12 Years of Compassion and Care

On January 12, 2025, The Ruth Foundation marked a milestone—12 years of restoring dignity and bringing hope through palliative care. The evening was a heartfelt tribute to the past, present, and future of the foundation’s mission, filled with gratitude, music, and inspiring reflections.

The celebration opened with a breathtaking performance by master violinist Merjohn Lagaya, setting the tone for a night of thanksgiving and remembrance. Rev. Mike Trinidad, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, welcomed everyone by acknowledging the faithfulness of God throughout the foundation’s 12-year journey. His words served as a powerful reminder that TRF’s mission has been sustained by divine grace.

Dr. Mae Corvera, the founding president, followed with a heartfelt thanksgiving message, recounting TRF’s many milestones over the years—from the total number of care encounters to the provinces reached by TRF’s palliative care services. Her reflections painted a picture of progress and perseverance, honoring the foundation’s growth and the countless lives touched. The audience was further uplifted by beautiful hymns and songs performed by sibling duo Sharon and Dave Vicente, filling the venue with a sense of warmth and community. 

A highlight of the evening was the special anniversary videos, which showcased the event’s overarching themes: Honoring the Past, Caring for the Present, and Inspiring the Future. These videos captured the essence of TRF’s mission and its impact on individuals and communities, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Among the distinguished guests was DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, who shared his hopeful vision for making palliative care more accessible, particularly for students with special needs. His words emphasized the importance of integrating palliative care into broader health and education systems to ensure that no one is left behind.

Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, Director of PGH, also graced the occasion, reflecting on PGH’s longstanding collaboration with TRF. His remarks highlighted the efforts between institutions to advance palliative care and bring relief to patients in need.

Adding a touch of humor and nostalgia, DepEd Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera, a founding member of TRF, shared anecdotes about the foundation’s early days. He exchanged lighthearted jokes with board members while also honoring the individuals and supporters who have helped sustain TRF’s advocacy over the years.

The night ended on a poignant note with a moving performance of “When You Believe” by Sharon Vicente. The song served as a powerful reminder that miracles happen when people come together for a common cause. It was a fitting conclusion to an evening that celebrated 12 years of hope, care, and unwavering commitment.

As The Ruth Foundation looks ahead, it remains dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for those facing advanced illness. With faith, compassion, and the support of its growing community, the foundation is poised to continue making a meaningful impact for years to come.

---

Navigating Grief Through Compassion: The Ruth Foundation’s Tribute to Bereaved Families

For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, the journey of grief can feel overwhelming and isolating. At The Ruth Foundation, we recognize the profound emotional and spiritual challenges that come with saying goodbye to someone dear. As part of our mission to provide holistic care, we held our annual Tribute event on November 9, a heartfelt initiative to support the families of our palliative care patients who have passed away.

The Tribute event serves as a safe and nurturing space where families can honor their loved ones, process their grief, and find solace in shared memories. This year, families gathered to reflect on their loss with the guidance of our spiritual counselor, Tita Cottie, whose warmth and wisdom created an atmosphere of understanding and hope.

Tita Cottie, TRF’s spiritual counselor.

One of the most touching parts of the event was when attendees were invited to write heartfelt letters to their loved ones. Through these handwritten messages, they could articulate the emotions they might have struggled to express. Many wrote about their gratitude for shared moments, their pain in the absence, and their hope to carry forward the legacy of the one they lost.

At The Ruth Foundation, we believe that grief is not something one "gets over" but rather a journey of adaptation, healing, and resilience. Through events like Tribute, we hope to provide avenues for emotional expression, spiritual renewal, and the comfort of community.

We are deeply grateful to walk alongside these families, offering support as they navigate their unique paths of mourning and healing. Each shared story, tear, and smile during the event was a reminder of the strength that comes from connection and the enduring love that binds us to those we’ve lost.

To all families in grief: you are not alone. The Ruth Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to care—not just for the patients we serve but for the loved ones they leave behind. It is our honor to be part of your journey toward healing, one compassionate step at a time.