Roots of Health Executive Director Ami Evangelista-Swanepoel (2nd row, center) with the Roots of Health Team during the 15th year anniversary celebration in Puerto Princesa, City.

As I reflect on the past 15 years with Roots of Health, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible impact we’ve made in Palawan. What started as a dream has blossomed into something truly transformative. We’ve empowered women and young people, reduced unplanned pregnancies, worked to combat the spread of HIV, and strengthened government health systems, all while making strides toward gender equity. It has been amazing to see how our efforts have touched lives, creating real, lasting change in communities across the province.

But we’re not done yet. My dream is to see the same level of impact that we’ve achieved in Palawan spread across the entire country. The challenges of unplanned pregnancy, HIV, and gender inequality are not confined to Palawan alone, and neither should our solutions be. That’s why we are so excited about Palawan+ and the potential to expand our work nationally. We are actively seeking partnerships around the Philippines, and we are eager to collaborate with others who share our vision of a more equitable future.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the steadfast support of our partners, donors, and community advocates. You have been an essential part of our journey, and as we look to the next 15 years, we hope you will continue to walk alongside us. We are at a critical point in our growth, where strategic partnerships, guidance from those who have successfully scaled, and the generosity of those who believe in our mission are more important than ever. Together, we can extend our impact in reducing unplanned pregnancies, combating HIV, and championing gender equity not just in Palawan but across the Philippines.

Thank you for your belief in what we do, and I hope you will continue to journey with us as we move into this exciting next chapter. Padayon!

— Amina Evangelista Swanepoel, Executive Director