The Culion Foundation, Inc. (CFI) is a social development organization founded by Father Javier M. Olazabal and Don Jose Ma. Soriano, Sr. It was named after Culion Island in Palawan, which was once designated as a leprosy colony, the largest in the world. It was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-stock, non-profit corporation on June 9, 1976 by a group of incorporators who were interested in supporting undertakings on leprosy research, treatment of leprosy, and the rehabilitation of leprosy patients and their dependents. The Foundation’s initial years focused on leprosy works in the island community. It made a remarkable success story using a holistic leprosy care, encompassing Multiple Drug Treatment, psychosocio-economic well-being, reintegration in the society, research and community development. Leprosy was eliminated in Culion in 1999, and today has no reported new cases. CFI envisions to be s strong support to the country’s health system. Aware of the country’s burden on communicable diseases, CFI expanded its works by helping in the control of Tuberculosis and Neglected Tropical Diseases. Through public-private partnerships, it aims to contribute in the attainment of the health related Millennium Development Goals and assist in the strengthening of local health care services and systems. Its main office is located at Rm. 507 Evekal Bldg., #855 Arnaiz Ave., Legaspi Village, Makati City. The foundation has 8 regular staff, 2 project-based staff, and 13 members of the Board of Trustees.
It was first certified for 3 years on October 1, 2001 and which ended on September 30, 2004. First Renewal was for 5 years on October 18, 2005 and which ended on October 17, 2010. Second Renewal was for 3 years on October 4, 2011 and which will end on September 12, 2014.
Its purposes, among others, are “to help build the country’s capacity to deal with the prevention and control of communicable diseases and other prevalent health problems; to work closely with local, national and international health and related agencies utilizing state-of-the-art interventions and bridging support in the prevention and control of communicable diseases and other prevalent health problems toward developing self-reliant and self-sufficient communities through the service of competent and committed workforce who are guided by the Foundation’s first hand experience on the island of Culion; and to facilitate the elimination of prevalent communicable and infectious diseases among the underprivileged population health development”. The Foundation’s programs now focused on TB Care, Post Elimination of Leprosy, USAID-IMPACT Project, PBSP-Hospital Dots, World Bank-Neglected Tropical Diseases, and DOH-CHD Technical Assistance Partnership. Geographical scope of area: Nationwide.
