Diwata-Women in Resource Development, Inc. marked its 14th anniversary not by looking inward, but by reaching outward, bringing together communities, institutions, and partners in the spirit of compassion and solidarity.
On 17 July 2026, in partnership with the South African Embassy, Diwata commemorated Nelson Mandela Day through a community outreach at Magata-Manggahan Elementary School in Sitio Manggahan, Barangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal. The initiative reflected the values that defined Mandela’s life and legacy of compassion, equality, dignity, and service to others.
Nelson Mandela Day is of profound significance for both South Africa and Diwata. Nelson Mandela was the first democratically-elected President of South Africa and is regarded as a hero and a symbol of freedom, peace, and equality. He put an end to discrimination based on race or skin color in South Africa. This is why we chose to establish Diwata on 18 July 2012, Nelson Mandela Day: because we believe in, and want to live out and uphold, the ideals he fought for.
In her opening remarks, South Africa Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe said that more than a celebration of his life, Nelson Mandela Day is a global call to action and a reminder to all that we have the power and responsibility to make a positive change or difference in the lives of others.
In South Africa, people mark the occasion by performing 67 minutes of service, representing the 67 years that Nelson Mandela dedicated to public service, human rights, and the fight against apartheid. Even simple acts of kindness like mentoring a young person, visiting the elderly, or supporting a neighbor count toward the 67 minutes.
Set against this backdrop, the outreach at Barangay Daraitan on Nelson Mandela Day became a living expression of what can happen when government, the diplomatic corps, private institutions, development organizations, and civil society come together.
The event was graced by Rizal Governor Nina Ynares and Tanay Mayor Rex C. Tanjuatco, whose presence underscored the importance of partnerships between local leadership and civic initiatives. We were also joined by representatives from the Embassy of Angola, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, and the Consulate of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Davao, bringing a strong sense of international solidarity.
Diwata also received invaluable support from the administrators and faculty of Magata-Manggahan Elementary School, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), local government volunteers, and many other collaborators on the ground.
The South African Embassy rallied together an extraordinary network of donors and supporters. Through the South African Embassy’s leadership and commitment to Nelson Mandela’s enduring ideals, assistance poured in from a wide range of institutions, including ICTSI Foundation, Reel Steel Corporation, DigiPlus Foundation, GoTyme Bank, Ethiopian Airlines, Food Access PH, RCBC Realty Corporation, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Middle East and African Affairs, Aspen Philippines, the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, Federated Distributors, Incorporated, Fly Ace Corporation, Liwayway Marketing Corporation, SM Retail, and the United Nations Development Programme.
Diwata’s leaders based in Rizal, led by Annie Dee and Lita Lee, provided vehicles, manpower and a venue to pack the donated goods.
These contributions benefitted more than 700 individuals, including Dumagat-Remontado families and schoolchildren of Magata-Manggahan Elementary School. More than providing material support, the project partners expressed care and solidarity, reminding us that development is not only measured in infrastructure, investment, or policy, but also in the strength of human connections.
For Diwata, the anniversary celebration was not simply about marking another year. It was about affirming what it stands for: empowering indigenous communities, fostering partnerships, and advancing inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered development.
In an era that calls for deeper collaboration and more purposeful leadership, Diwata’s anniversary outreach is just one example of how compassion, partnership, and shared responsibility can create lasting impact.
