Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. envisions a Philippines where every Filipino child is a reader.
In the Philippines, early childhood care and development (ECCD) faces daunting challenges. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) reports that early childhood is the most critical bottleneck in the education system, with persistent deficits in nutrition, early learning access, and foundational literacy. Close to 24% of Filipino children under five remain stunted, participation in formal early childhood care and development is at 18%, and many learners enter school inadequately prepared.
Through our programs for the first 1,000 days through the second 1,000 days of life, we directly address the interconnected challenges of nutrition, early learning access, and foundational literacy. Through our programs, AGFI support learning partners, expand children’s access to language and books, and strengthen reading readiness in the earliest years, remaining truly committed to our vision of making every Filipino child a reader. Moreover, we consciously build communities of literacy advocates through our Eager Reader Platform.
OUR VISION
Every Filipino Child a Reader
OUR MISSION
Promotion of early literacy with reading as a focus among 0 to 4 year old Filipino children in partnership with their parents, their LGU and community, and other like minded organizations .
OUR VALUES
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Malasakit
We place the child at the heart of our work and are committed to making growth opportunities accessible for all children.
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Mapagkakatiwalaan
We uphold respect, fairness, and professionalism, ensuring ethical and trustworthy service in all our engagements. We work with honesty, integrity, and transparency; protect data privacy and children’s rights; and remain compliant with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
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Pag-ibig sa Bayan
We work on the premise of a strong love for our country and in uplifting the lives of Filipino children through our programs and initiatives.
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Husay
We ensure that our operations and services are of the highest standards and are truly responsive to the needs of our stakeholders through well-researched and developmentally-appropriate interventions.
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Masipag
We value hard work, collaboration, initiative, and dedication in the service of all our stakeholders.
Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. is named after the Adarna bird, the mythical creature whose song could cure any affliction. Our logo–an image of this magical bird taking flight, its head turned to see where it came from–is the symbol of our dedication to the legacy of bringing the healing power of reading to Filipino children. And just like the Adarna bird, we look to our roots to give us direction as we take wing.
Board Members
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Emelina Almario
President
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Felicitas Rixhon
Vice President
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Vanessa Ann Estares
Corporate Secretary
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Maria Lourdes de la Cruz
Treasurer
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Cristina Espino, MD
Member
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Reginald Andal
Member
Team
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Maria Concepcion Estrella
Executive Director
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Karla Mae Bolaños
Program Coordinator
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Agatha Jasmin Vargas
Communications Coordinator
Our Impact
From 2022-2025, Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. has:
reached
4,599
Children
engaged
3,626
Learning partners
distributed
60,858
Reading materials