Cover (Photo: stellalevi/GettyImages)
(Photo: stellalevi/GettyImages)
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This is how women give back to the Filipino community
What does it mean to be a philanthropist? Is it as simple as donating to charities and foundations? Or does it mean more than that?
Women are changing the philanthropy landscape. They give underserved communities a voice and a chance to rise—communities that have been ignored for years. So, how do women fit in the world of philanthropy? In this list, get to know Irene Martel Francisco, Mercedes Zobel, and Susana Madrigal, some of the many women who act as beacons of hope for those who need help the most.
More from Tatler: Tatler Ball Throwback: Get to Know the Tatler Ball's Beneficiaries Through the Years
Mercedes Zobel
Above Mercedes Zobel
Mercedes Zobel
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A trustee of the Enrique Zobel Foundation (EZOBEL), Mercedes Zobel is a charitable force that provides empowerment through art and education.
Continuing her family's work in the public education system, she gives the marginalised a chance at education. But more than building schools and providing scholarships, she also frequently assists Ballet Philippines.
Her philanthropic influence reaches beyond the Philippines. As an emeritus trustee of the Women International UK Board Trustees, she has provided security and relief for women and children in the war-torn areas of Afghanistan and Rwanda.
Irene Martel Francisco
Above Irene Martel-Francisco
Irene Martel-Francisco
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Irene Martel Francisco is the managing director of Tatler Philippines, president of the Child Protection Network, and a board member of the Metropolitan Museum. Involving herself in charity work since her early 20s, Francisco has found fulfilment in doing good and has continued to do so until now. Francisco’s passion for her philanthropic responsibilities is unmatched. From working on the Love 14 Foundation to providing chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer, she also contributes to numerous projects benefiting the arts and culture scene.
Her elegant taste and kind heart transformed the Tatler Ball into a philanthropic event that people look forward to attending.
Above 2022 Tatler Ball Diamond awardee Ramon S. Ang smiles at Alice Eduardo, recipient of the Most Charitable Force award at the 2019 Tatler Ball.
2022 Tatler Ball Diamond awardee Ramon S. Ang smiles at Alice Eduardo, recipient of the Most Charitable Force award at the 2019 Tatler Ball.
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The Tatler Ball started as an event to celebrate Tatler's anniversary in the country. But Francisco saw it as more than that. It was an opportunity to use the publication’s influence for the greater good. Being the only Tatler Ball in the region for charity ever since 2002, Francisco proudly assists beneficiaries on their mission.
Makabata Foundation
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The Makabata School Foundation started out as a feeding programme for street children. The foundation has built its own school in Pasig City in 2002 and began to provide catechism classes and academic tutorials. This was Tatler's first beneficiary and marked the start of our philanthropic journey.
The following years had Tatler partner with worthy beneficiaries that supported a wide range of causes. In 2007, Tatler partnered with Gawad Kalinga in an effort to build houses and ultimately end poverty. In 2013, the Ball was called off to focus on a campaign to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Philippines during the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. And in 2019, Tatler worked with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines to combat global warming and further conservation efforts.
In the most recent ball, Tatler partnered with U-Go Philippines. Equipped with the idea that "Talent is universal, opportunity is not," U-Go aims to help hundreds of young women achieve their academic potential. Tatler Ball raised over 40 million pesos through the charity auction and some generous donations, beating the target of 8 million pesos five times over.
Susana Madrigal
Above Susana Madrigal
Susana Madrigal
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Head of the Consuelo Madrigal Foundation, Susana Madrigal, is one of the Philippines' most known philanthropists. Providing livelihood training, micro-finance education, scholarships, early learning programmes, and health programmes, Madrigal has carried the philanthropic torch of her family.
She also serves as patroness of many nonprofit organisations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Catholic Ministry for the Deaf, and ICanServe.
As a cancer survivor, she has taken the responsibility to sponsor the treatment of one cancer patient every year through the Cancer Samurai Scholar Fund.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
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