Teen queen Rikki Mae dela Pena is ERDA Foundation's first ambassadress

Miss Philippine Youth 2019 Rikki Mae dela Pena has been chosen as the first ambassadress of a foundation that helps kids and out-of-school youth in their education.

Known as Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Foundation, Inc., the group helps poor Filipino children have access to education since 1974.

"I’ve known ERDA Foundation way back then because of their educational assistance for the out-of- school youth, leadership programs, French volunteers and their heroic sacrifices. Thank you for choosing the Philippines and choosing me as your very first Ambassadress. I will forever be grateful for giving me the opportunity to help inspire kids in Manila," said Rikki Mae when she visited the children to spread holiday blessings recently.

During her visit to the foundation, Rikki Mae jammed with the kids with their song and dance numbers as she gave them inspiring words.

"I want to reiterate what I have said earlier that there will be millions of opportunities in this world and we make life by choosing the best decision and in deciding we should always put into mind that we should do what is right and not what’s easy," the teen queen said.

Rikki Mae added: "I stand with ERDA Foundation to give children (from disadvantaged communities) access to basic and quality education because this will give them hope and change their lives for the better."

ERDA Foundation, Inc. came after a study on the drop-out problem in the Philippines published by the Bureau of Public Schools in 1965 prompted a French Jesuit to embark on what was to become his passion for life.

In the process, he gave up his nationality and acquired Filipino citizenship.  Fr. Pierre T. Tritz, SJ conceived the idea of helping the poor but deserving Filipino children have access to education.

Founded in 1974, ERDA  is a non-stock, non-profit organization officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  It has been working closely with  the Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development and other government agencies.

With its experience for the past 40 years, ERDA aims to promote the total development – physical, social and economic aspects – of poor children.  Starting from the six beneficiaries of its major project Operasyon: Balik Paaralan (Operation: Back to School), ERDA has helped about 800,000 children and youth in their education.  Its operation reaches nationwide through tie-up with 150 organizations.

ERDA receives funding support from local and foreign donors, which include individual and corporate entities, private organizations and other non-government organizations (NGOs) as well as from some government agencies.

Aside from its educational assistance, ERDA has also developed programs for the families of the beneficiaries as well as their communities. - Robert Requintina