*Dr. Joe Daniels attending to a patient during the Orthopedic Medical Mission*

Introducing the RSF Initiative

You may notice a new name in this issue: the RSF Initiative. Nothing about the Ruth Sembrano Foundation itself has changed. We maintain the same structure, staff, and mission as always. We've simply opened a Philippine-based arm, the RSF Initiative, to run programs and fundraise more efficiently within the Philippines, in service of that same mission.

Founded in 2025 to support the efforts of its US counterpart, the RSF Initiative is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registered domestic non-government organization in its own right. In the time since, it has grown into an organization that empowers community-driven solutions across the Philippines, bringing innovative, deeply impactful projects that improve access to education and healthcare, through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, corporations, and local communities.

This past year marked important milestones, from new classrooms and digital learning initiatives to medical missions, feeding programs, and emergency relief efforts. None of this would be possible without the support of our partners, volunteers, and donors who believe in our mission.

RECOGNITION & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

**The Ruth Sembrano Foundation Recognized as a Top Education Stakeholder**
On February 10, 2025, The Ruth Sembrano Foundation was formally invited to the Department of Education Region VII’s State of the Region Address (SORA) and Stakeholders’ Convergence.
Josh Sembrano and Marie Anton Sembrano accepted a Plaque of Appreciation recognizing the foundation as one of the Top 5 Stakeholders of the Department of Education, Dalaguete District, Philippines.

This recognition reflects the power of collaboration and the continued commitment to improving educational opportunities for students and teachers throughout the region.

“Being recognized by the Department of Education is a meaningful reminder that lasting impact is built through strong community partnerships” - Josh Sembrano, RSF Founder and President

EDUCATION INITIATIVES

New Classrooms for Tabon Elementary School

Josh on a tour of the Tabon Elementary School in October 2023

One of two newly constructed classrooms for Tabon Elementary School

On February 12, 2025, a turnover ceremony was held at Tabon Elementary School to officially open two newly constructed classrooms for students and educators.

Founder Josh Sembrano, together with Dalaguete Mayor Hon. Ronald Cesante, signed the deed of donation and participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting marking the official turnover of the classrooms.

These new learning spaces represent more than infrastructure, they represent opportunity, growth, and investment in the future of local students.

Expanding Digital Learning Through Technology

In partnership with Apex Energy, RSF Initiative received 127 donated laptops to support educational programs and digital learning initiatives.

50 laptops were distributed to Project PEARLS scholars
19 laptops were provided to teachers at Tabon Elementary School

As the RSF Virtual STEM Learning Hub expands to additional schools and districts, these resources will help educators integrate technology directly into the classroom experience.

“Technology creates opportunity only when people have the knowledge and confidence to use it. Through our STEM Learning Hub, we're ensuring every investment in technology leads to lasting impact for educators, students, and the communities they serve.” - Josh Sembrano, RSF Founder and President

RSF Virtual STEM Learning Hub

With support from Cisco Systems, Inc., the Ruth Sembrano Foundation is currently developing the RSF Virtual STEM Learning Hub, a web-based teacher training program focused on strengthening digital literacy and classroom technology integration.

The program is designed to equip educators with practical technology skills, accessible STEM teaching tools, coaching and guided learning modules, and strategies for creating technology-enabled classrooms.

By empowering teachers, the initiative helps students gain the skills needed for the evolving demands of the modern world.

HEALTHCARE & COMMUNITY WELLNESS

Project PEARLS x RSF Orthopedic Medical Mission

In April 2025, The Ruth Sembrano Foundation partnered with Project PEARLS and Dr. Joe Daniels to provide free orthopedic and general medical services to underserved communities.

Prior to the mission:

22 high-risk patients received free x-ray diagnostic procedures
Participating patients received transportation to and from the laboratories and snacks

During the mission:

22 preselected orthopedic patients received treatment
63 additional patients received general examinations
35 community volunteers completed first aid training

The mission provided over ₱17,613 ($287) worth of diagnostic procedures and strengthened local healthcare support within the community.

Medical Supplies for the Tondo Clinic

On July 31, 2025, The Ruth Sembrano Foundation donated over ₱125,106 ($2,033) worth of medical supplies to the Project PEARLS x RSF Tondo Medical Clinic.

The donation included the below medicine:

Pain relief & fever medicine: Mefenamic acid (200 Bottles), Paracetamol (240 bottles)
Antibiotics: Cefalexin (240 bottles), Co-amoxiclav (120 bottles), Mupirocin ointment (110 tubes)
Respiratory: Ambroxol (140 bottles), Carbocisteine (120 bottles), Salbutamol (20 nebules)
Allergy medicine: Cetirizine (140 bottles)
Gastrointestinal: Erceflora (50 vials), Oral Rehydration Solution (100 sachets), Mebendazole (20 bottles)
Vitamins: Multivitamins/Multilem (140 bottles), Vitamin B-Complex (200 tablets)
Chronic disease medicine: Amlodipine, Losartan, Metformin (80, 80, and 40 tablets)

Through partnerships and donor support, RSF continues working to make healthcare more accessible for families in the Tondo community.

DISASTER RESPONSE & COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Typhoon Tino Relief and Feeding Program

Following Typhoon Tino, a record-breaking typhoon that affected portions of the central Philippines, RSF Initiative mobilized emergency relief efforts to support affected families.

Through fundraising campaigns on GiveButter and social media, the initiative raised ₱105,903.75 ($1,726) to provide direct aid to communities in need.

Volunteers repacked and distributed:

123 relief bags
67 diaper packs for families with infants

Each relief bag included:

5KG rice
Nonperishable Canned Goods
Toiletry Supplies

This rapid response effort was made possible through the generosity of supporters and volunteers working together to provide immediate assistance during recovery efforts.

PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION‍ ‍

Cisco Feeding Program

On March 31, 2026, The Ruth Sembrano Foundation and RSF Initiative partnered with Cisco to host a feeding program for students and teachers at Tabon Elementary School.

Through Cisco’s support we were able to feed 328 children and 19 teachers.

‍Cisco employee Aaron Ambayon traveled from the United States to personally visit the school, meet educators and students, and witness the impact of the partnership firsthand.

‍ This collaboration highlights the importance of global partnerships in creating meaningful local impact.

“We're grateful to Cisco for investing not only in education, but in the well-being of the students, teachers, and communities we serve.” - Josh Sembrano, RSF Founder and President

LOOKING AHEAD

As The Ruth Sembrano Foundation and RSF Initiative continue to grow, we remain committed to expanding access to education, healthcare, and community support programs throughout the Philippines.

Looking ahead, our priorities include:

Scaling the Virtual STEM Learning Hub
Expanding educational technology access
Strengthening healthcare partnerships
Supporting disaster response initiatives
Growing sustainable community-driven programs

Together with our partners, volunteers, and supporters, we are building pathways toward opportunity and long-term impact.

The Ruth Sembrano Foundation Quarterly Newsletter: July 2026