The 30-year history of Habitat for Humanity Philippines
is much like the story of the Filipino
— it is a story of resilience.

Resilience is the constant journey of building and rebuilding.
It is remaining strong and growing amidst challenges and adversity.
That’s why on our 30th anniversary, we give you Habitat for Humanity
Stories of Resilience — a peek into the lives of these remarkable Filipinos
to see how their story of strength and hope is truly the story of every Filipino.
I am Fernando Zobel de Ayala, a Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Leader.
My journey with Habitat for Humanity started about 20 years ago and I’ve learned so much from these unique experiences — from working alongside volunteers to turning over homes for families, and eventually seeing their lives transform.
I admire the people’s dedication and sacrifices they have made in this organization. They remind us that there is always another day — there is always hope that things will get better.
Our work will not stop until everyone has a decent home to go to everyday, and I hope that our mission to assist our fellow Filipinos will transcend generations.
Together we can make a difference! Join me in helping Filipino communities by donating to my Habitat fundraising page or email info@habitat.org.ph if you want to make an offline donation.
Your donation will support families in their desire to own dream homes and provide a sustainable livelihood for families in Habitat communities.
I am Donnie Tantoco, retailer, husband, and a lifelong student.
I have started business at a young age because of my grandfather.
When one of our sister companies encountered a major problem, my grandfather asked us to help. So I, together with our team, did our best and even made sacrifices to address this.
Resilience comes from the relationships you form with other people. You build trust, respect, and genuine care for each other.
Help me continue to share the success with those who make the success possible.
Together, we can make a difference! Join me and this cause by donating to my Habitat Fundraising page or email info@habitat.org.ph if you want to make an offline donation.
Your donation will support families in their desire to own dream homes and provide a sustainable livelihood for families in Habitat communities.
I am Slater Young and I am a Green Builder. I am Kryz Uy and I am an advocate for positive change.
We use our online presence to influence the youth to support our personal advocacies.
It’s important that we have a purpose behind everything we do – that makes it more meaningful. It makes it a lot easier to succeed when you know that people are behind you and ready to support you.
Forming strong support systems can make Filipinos more resilient and, in turn, offer their help other people in need. We continue to lean on our family, friends, and loved ones.
Together we can make a difference! Help us get our message across by donating to our Habitat fundraising page or email info@habitat.org.ph if you want to make an offline donation.
Your donation will support families in their desire to own dream homes and provide a sustainable livelihood for families in Habitat communities.
Read more about Slater Young’s sustainable Liteblock here.
Follow Slater Young and Kryz Uy online.
I am Edward Gaisano, businessman, a doctor at heart.
I left my profession as a doctor to fulfill my duties in our family business.
My father was a working man all his life. Seeing him treat our staff as part of the family made me realize how communities play an important role in how we make ourselves.
All our successes boil down to everyone’s generosity and compassion.
Together we can make a difference! Join me in helping Filipino communities by donating to my Habitat Fundraising page or email info@habitat.org.ph if you want to make an offline donation.
Your donation will support families in their desire to own dream homes and provide a sustainable livelihood for families in Habitat communities.
I’m Jose Mari Chan, businessman, singer-songwriter, and an advocate of positivity.
I have always looked up to my father who went from being a small sugar trader in Iloilo City to becoming the second biggest sugar trader in the country. He had encountered some failures but those did not stop him from improving himself and getting where he wanted to be – he is my model of persistence and resilience.
He has inspired me not only in my business but also in my music. Music is a gift from God and is meant to be shared. Seeing and hearing the Filipinos’ appreciate your music is the greatest reward for a singer-songwriter can get.
I consider helping our Filipinos – those who are working for me and those who listen to my music as my social responsibility. It brings me fulfillment to witness these people raise and educate their children.
Help me continue to inspire our fellow Filipinos in improving their lives.
Together, we can make a difference! Join me and this cause by donating to my Habitat Fundraising page or email info@habitat.org.ph if you want to make an offline donation. Your donation will support families in their desire to own dream homes and provide a sustainable livelihood for families in Habitat communities.
Learn more about Jose Mari Chan here.
I am Derek Ramsay, an athlete, an actor, and a family man.
I have made some mistakes in my life. I turned my back on my family for over a year to find my way but eventually realized that without my parents, I would not be here. My parents told me that if you decide to do something, you have to give your best that is why I want to give 200% in everything I do.
One thing I notice about Filipinos is even with the living conditions that they have, they bounce back and realize that there’s more to life. I have fans tell me that the simple act of greeting them makes them forget about their problems even for a short while. I want to continue doing that.
Help me put more smiles on our resilient Filipinos’ faces.
Together, we can make a difference! Join me and this cause by donating to my Habitat Fundraising page or email info@habitat.org.ph if you want to make an offline donation.
Your donation will support families in their desire to own dream homes and provide a sustainable livelihood for families in Habitat communities.
Learn about Derek Ramsay’s Plus Can Project here.
I am Christian G. Seso, home partner, engineer, and inspirational speaker.
My family’s struggle to live in a 5-square-meter home and my father’s job as a construction worker inspired me to study and work as hard as I can to become a civil engineer.
My parents’ continuous support and advice as well as Habitat for Humanity and other organizations’ generous efforts extremely helped me to become the person that I am today.
Now that I have my small construction firm, I continue to inspire and help other people as my way of giving back to those who still experience the hardship of owning a decent home.
Help me build for our fellow Filipinos in need.
Together, we can make a difference! Join me and this cause by donating to my Habitat Fundraising page or email info@habitat.org if you want to make an offline donation.
Your donation will support families in their desire to own dream homes and provide a sustainable livelihood for families in Habitat communities.
Learn more about Engr. Christian Seso’s Habitat story here.
I am Ferdie Cabiling, the Running Pastor, a book author, and a proud Habitat Philippines supporter.
I run and go the distance for those who can’t — for my son who has Sturge-Weber syndrome, for the poor kids who can’t go to school,for those who are going through painful times.
I use my talent for running to show people how to be resilient by believing in God, persevering through pain, and staying focused on the finish line of our own personal races in life.
As a pastor of Victory, we worked towards a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines; seeing that its mission of putting God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope mirrors our church’s desire to honor God in every area of life.
Together, we can make a difference! Join me and this cause by donating to my Habitat Fundraising page or email info@habitat.org if you want to make an offline donation.
Your donation will support families in their desire to own dream homes and provide a sustainable livelihood for families in Habitat communities.
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Paul, Hebrews 12:1
Read up on how Pastor Ferdie has used running to help those in need:
The Running Pastor
RUN: Endure the Pain, Keep the Faith, Finish Your Race
I am Kenneth Cobonpue, a designer, innovator, Filipino and a proud Habitat Philippines supporter.
Together, we have shared our passion for high-quality Filipino made designs. Today, I invite you to share another cause that is close to my heart that will create a better Philippines through safe, decent shelter. This same advocacy will strengthen women and youth to create positive cycles of strength and self-reliance.
Together, we can make a difference! Join me and this cause by donating to my Habitat Fundraising page or email info@habitat.org if you want to make an offline donation.
Your donation will support families in their desire to own dream homes and provide sustainable livelihood for women and youth in Habitat communities.
Read up on what Kenneth has done to help build sustainable communities:
Project First Light
About Kenneth Cobonpue
Every Filipino deserves to have a decent home.
And every one of us can help make it happen.
LEARN MORE