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.

NPHC Summit 2024: Convening for Compassion

The National Palliative and Hospice Care Summit 2024, held on September 25-28 at Casa Ibarra in Pasay City, was a milestone event for palliative care in the Philippines. Organized by Hospice Philippines, and the Philippine Society of Palliative and Hospice Care, the summit gathered healthcare professionals, advocates, and leaders to reflect on the progress of the past 35 years and chart a future of compassionate care for patients facing severe health-related suffering.

Supported by the Department of Health, The Ruth Foundation, Philippine Cancer Society, Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network, UP-PGH Supportive Palliative and Hospice Medicine, and international partners, the summit served as a platform for establishing the next chapter in palliative care in the Philippines.

Thought Leadership and Key Discussions

To kick off the summit, Associate Professor Ghauri Aggarwal emphasized the values of true compassion. Aggarwal called for a transformational rather than a transactional approach to leadership in healthcare, stressing that genuine compassion is key to elevating the quality of care patients receive.

Dr. Patricia Soek Hui Neo, Senior Consultant at the Division of Supportive & Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, shed light on the national standards for palliative care in Singapore. Her insights provided an international perspective on setting benchmarks and policies to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care in the face of terminal illness on a national scale.

Bringing the focus closer to home, Dr. Mae Corvera, president of Hospice Philippines, shared the standards and stepping stones for Philippine hospital-based palliative care services. Her presentation featured the remarkable progress made in integrating palliative care into mainstream healthcare, all while highlighting the enduring challenges and promising opportunities in expanding access to these critical services.

Ivy Abrigo Gough, a clinical nurse consultant from the Palliative Care Consult Service at Concord Repatriation and General Hospital in Australia, added depth to the discussions with her emphasis on the “it takes a village” approach to palliative care. Her presentation showcased the importance of multidisciplinary teams and community support systems in providing holistic care to patients and their families.

Throughout the summit, other esteemed speakers shared their expertise, showcasing the diverse approaches that palliative care can take. Czarina Estonactoc-Cruel provided a moving presentation on the power of music therapy, illustrating how music can be a source of comfort and emotional expression for patients. Dr. Frank Nacario shared his knowledge on a patchy approach to pain management, reminding us that pain relief in palliative care must be as nuanced and individualized as the patients themselves.

Dr. Agnes Bausa-Claudio discussed the transition to home-based palliative care, an essential topic as more families seek the familiarity and comfort of home while providing care for their loved ones. Dr. Alfonso Lagaya presented Pins and Needles: Acupuncture in Palliative Care, shedding light on alternative methods for managing pain and improving quality of life. Additionally, Dr. Suzette Solis introduced the lesser-known but critical topic of Palliative Care in Rabies Infection, expanding the scope of how palliative care can support patients across a range of conditions.

Palliative Care: A Holistic and Compassionate Approach

The Ruth Foundation team had the privilege of participating in the Parallel Session for Nurses and Allied Health Care Professionals. Dr. Maricar Sabeniano, who heads advocacy and training at TRF, opened up and moderated the session. 

Patient Care Head Nurse Jelanie Ausan

Different case studies were presented, each one reflecting the unique challenges patients face during their most vulnerable moments. Our Patient Care Head Nurse Jelanie Ausan, and External Affairs Officer Marilou Tupaz were able to share their experiences and valuable insights. While our physical therapist, Tim Rivero also got the chance to share an informative lecture about Preventing Complications of Immobility.

What unfolded was a rich, collaborative effort where nurses and healthcare professionals highlighted essential aspects of palliative care such as pain management, family communication, emotional support, and ethical considerations in care planning. These pillars remind us that palliative care is about far more than addressing physical symptoms; it’s about seeing the person behind the illness, understanding their story, and walking alongside them with compassion and respect.

In addition to participating in the sessions, The Ruth Foundation team managed critical aspects of the event, including logistics, registration, and securing the PRC CPD accreditation for the workshops in collaboration with Hospice Philippines and the Philippine Society of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Michal Hafalla, alongside Dr. Maricar Sabeniano of the Training & Advocacy team, worked closely with these committees to ensure a smooth and impactful summit.

Palliative care is truly a team effort, where every care plan is an opportunity to uplift, to comfort, and to empower patients to live their days with dignity and peace. At its core, it is all about compassion in action.

Convening for Compassion

The theme of the summit, “Convening for Compassion,” resonated throughout the event, as each speaker and attendee shared a common vision for the future of palliative and hospice care in the Philippines. 

As we look ahead, the 2024 National Palliative and Hospice Care Summit serves as a call to action for all stakeholders—government agencies, healthcare professionals, non-government organizations, and communities—to join the movement and work together in shaping a more compassionate future for those facing life-limiting conditions. With ongoing support and collaborative efforts, the Philippines stands poised to continue its journey towards offering high-quality palliative care services that uphold the dignity and unique needs of each individual.

The summit went beyond just a gathering of experts and advocates; it became a celebration of collaboration, community, and the shared commitment to a compassionate approach to healthcare, reflecting on past triumphs and looking forward to a future where palliative care is accessible to all.

Transformation through Care: J’s Journey with the Happy Room Project

In a heartwarming initiative to improve living conditions for 4-year-old J*, diagnosed with 4th Stage Gonadal Yolk Sac Tumor, volunteers and staff from The Ruth Foundation (TRF) have undertaken a remarkable Happy Room Project.

J has been under TRF's care since April 6, 2024. Upon visiting his home in Parañaque, it was clear that his living environment posed significant challenges. Situated on the second level, the house had hazardous conditions with cramped spaces, inadequate lighting, and poor ventilation. These conditions not only compromised J's health but also restricted his ability to play freely and feel secure.

The Happy Room Project, initiated by TRF, aimed to transform J’s living space into a safer, more comfortable haven tailored to his needs. Planning began in May, with renovations starting in late May and concluding on June 18, 2024. Central to the project was the involvement of J's parents: his mother, a dedicated housewife, and his father, a skilled carpenter working in construction. Leveraging his father's expertise, TRF provided essential materials, including paint, rollers, and linoleum, to enhance the home's functionality and aesthetics. Generous donations from volunteers, including TRF staff, doctors, ESSEC Business School student volunteers, Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) Students, and SISC Clinical Instructors, further supplemented the renovation efforts.


Over the course of approximately three weeks, the project team meticulously addressed every aspect of J’s environment. They installed curtains and wall fans for improved ventilation, rearranged furniture to optimize space, and adorned walls with cheerful paint to create a vibrant atmosphere. The Happy Room Project goes beyond physical renovations; it's about creating a nurturing environment where J can thrive despite his medical challenges.

As the final touches were put in place, the community's spirit of generosity and compassion shone brightly. Volunteers and staff rallied around J’s and his family, demonstrating the power of collective action in making a meaningful difference in a young child's life. J’s story serves as a reminder of the transformative impact that simple acts of kindness and community support can have on individuals and families facing adversity. Moving forward, J’s newly refurbished Happy Room stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets action in the service of those in need.

-From the desk of Mikee Hafalla

*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.

ELNEC CORE 2022

The Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Hospice Care offered the ELNEC Core Course through an asynchronous and synchronous webinar last February 15, 17,18, 21,23 &25 2022. The registration included a short pre-test to gauge the participant’s basic palliative care knowledge. Its pre-course began on the 7th of February (a week before) giving access to its participants a password protected microsite that contained video modules and post-tests a week before the actual live discussions. An onboarding email was sent to all participants which included website passwords, post-test and Zoom links for each live discussion session. There were a total 55 registrants, 28 of whom are registered nurses. Each session had an assigned facilitator and a Zoom host from The Ruth Foundation. Institutions represented by the participants are as follows; Ospital ng Makati, Dalta Jonelta Foundation, Perpetual Medical Center, Mary Mediatrix Medical Center, Batangas Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital and the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu and Ospital ng Muntinlupa. This course had a total of 8 speakers, 6 facilitators, 2 Zoom hosts, 1 coordinator, 2 guests from Security Bank Corporation and evaluators from TRF's course partner, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute.

February 15:

The first live session began with welcoming remarks by The Ruth Foundation’s President, Dr. Corvera. There was a recap of the Palliative Care Nursing and Communication modules by Nurse Cajucom and Dr. Mendoza, respectively. The participants were then engaged in case study discussion through break out groups. Instructions were given on how each facilitated session would flow. The participants discussed the case in break out rooms, and went back to the plenary to discuss their consolidated answers.

February 17:

This session was started with a recap of the previous session by Dr. Mendoza. There was a quick recap of the Ethical, Legal, Spiritual and Cultural modules by Dr. Joson and Dr. Tan, respectively. Dr. Joson opted for an interactive Q&A portion, calling out participants as they shared their consolidated break out session answers about the case given using the Four- box method of ethics. Dr. Tan had the participants take a self-assessment on cultural awareness. Their answers were discussed during their breakout session and also during the plenary session.

February 18:

This session was started with a recap of the previous session by Dr. Mendoza. There was a quick recap of the Pain assessment and management module by Dr. Ofina. Dr. Ofina opted to share additional information, namely, the pain ladder and the expressions of pain. Guide questions were then given to the participants to answer the case study presented. Their answers were discussed during their breakout session and also during the plenary session.

February 21:

This session was started with a recap of the previous session by Dr. Mendoza. There was a quick recap of the Symptom Management module by Dr. Pedro. Instead of breakout sessions, the organizers opted to use the plenary session interactively by using the wheel of names to call on the participants and Zoom Reactions. A case was discussed and each participant called randomly had the chance to answer the guide questions. Some participants opted to share experiences that they’ve gone through too.

February 23:

This session was started with a recap of the previous session by Dr. Mendoza. There was a quick recap of the Loss, Grief and Bereavement module by Dr. Corvera. Instead of breakout sessions, the organizers opted to use the plenary session interactively by using Zoom Reactions for answering therapeutic and non-therapeutic statements. Dr. Corvera held a quick Q&A portion and also held a Loss Exercise, wherein the participants had shared their experiences on gauging their emotions and some even shared their loss. Self-care assessment was also done that day. The participants responded by sharing that they should prioritize self-care in order for them to be effective in rendering palliative care.

February 25:

This session was started with a recap of the previous session by Dr. Mendoza. There was a quick recap of the Final Hours module by Dr. Raymundo. Instead of breakout sessions, the organizers opted to use the plenary session interactively by using Wheel of Names for answering the guide questions related to the case discussion. The participants were very active to ask questions on how to deal with their palliative patients. Blessing of hands was shared by Dr. Rana Mendoza as a closing ritual for the course.