According to figures from the Department of Education and the National Statistical Coordination Board in the Philippines, 1 in 6 Filipino kids does not attend school. Further, only 7 out of 10 kids will complete elementary school. Of those 7 kids, only 4 will complete high school, and of those 4, 1 will proceed on to university. The main reason for this is none other than poverty (Meron, n.d.).

These concerns led ARDCI to grant educational assistance to the children of its members. As of 2016, ARDCI has already produced 56 graduates who are now working with the company. ARDCI also has 52 scholars in Catanduanes and 33 in mainland. In addition, there are 5 graduates who are in the accountancy review class and 4 are currently taking up the course. The company believes that education is life; that every individual who is given proper education has more chances of achieving a promising future. They also further believes that education is one of the best instruments in alleviating poverty. As part of its “Katuwang sa Karunungan” campaign, the company holds its annual “Bag at Gamit sa School (B.A.G.S.) Program”W for elementary students. By this, the children will now be ready to go to school knowing that they have bags and other school supplies with them. This is already a motivation for the learners to get excited in going to school, and at the same time an ease of burden for the parents as this program relieves them from buying expensive, and out-of-the-budget school needs.

ARDCI has consistently demonstrated its intent to be every Filipino household’s Katuwang sa Kabuhayan through trade and livelihood launches. It is through this effort that the Foundation extends its reach in leading rural communities to a life that is both viable and empowered. 

As our country constantly experiencing environmental concerns such as deforestation, soil erosion, abuse of coastal resources, and the highly recognized air and water pollution, ARDCI takes part in valuing the importance of environment as it recognizes the vital role it plays in maintaining sustainable livelihood. In an area where farming and fishing are the main sources of living, making sure that both of these are not affected or at least preserved is the company’s priority; as improper waste disposal creates a hazardous environment, thereby creating more and more problems to the society.

Garbage thrown in the rivers, canals, and esteros do not just block our waterways, but invite rodents that infect our water. An infected water consumed or contained by humans can cause diseases and worst, take away lives. Furthermore, clogged waterways causes flash floods that affect the community. Taking forward the call to protect mother Earth, ARDCI partnered up with the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) on its nationwide orchestrated clean-up activities. ARDCI adopted the Gogon River near its Head Office in Catanduanes for a quarterly clean-up

ARDCI has always been thoughtful on its commitment in helping people and building positive communities. The company is not only satisfied by extending their services to its members and communities, but more importantly by bringing in extra services to those people or areas who are also in special need. One particular program that is always done by the company is the Gift-Giving Program during Christmas season to the children in the community. It is the company’s way of spreading and sharing love in the Yuletide season.

Another activity is the Mass Wedding Program. ARDCI believes in the sanctity of marriage, and the importance of a relationship bound in marriage by the Church. Through this, those couples who are still unwed are given the chance to finally say their vows without thinking of the money and finances they are going to use in the wedding. This activity has already benefitted almost 100 members/couples. In addition to these activities, the company is also doing Relief Operations to communities affected by calamities. In 2015 and 2016, the country was devastated by strong typhoons which affected most of ARDCI’s areas of operations. The company shared their relief operations to its members and other people in the community by distributing 5 kilos of commercial rice per member.