Despite storms, earthquakes, and the daily challenges that disrupt our peace, Filipinos sometimes forget that faith and genuine love still exist—especially in places long overlooked. Yet, One Love For All (OLFA) continues to stand as a living reminder that compassion knows no bounds. By sharing even a small part of ourselves with those who need it most—like the indigenous Dumagat and Remontado communities far from the reach of many—they show that care and kindness can travel any distance.
Established in 2017, One Love For All (OLFA) is a non-profit organization leading an indigenous community development outreach program dedicated to uplifting the lives of the Dumagat-Remontado Tribe in eastern Rizal. Walking hand in hand with the community, OLFA creates innovative initiatives that bring lasting, meaningful change to their environment, culture, arts, and heritage.
As they celebrated their 9th year of service, OLFA expanded its mission into the remote areas of Rizal, identifying communities in need of deeper support for daily living. Through months of coordination and the guidance of TUCDUAN (Tunghayan at Ugnayan sa Cuyambay ng mga Dumagat/Remontado para Unawain ang Aral ng mga Ninuno), an organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Dumagat Tribe in Tanay, OLFA uncovered the daily struggles of residents in Sitio Tuoy, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal.
Nestled along the riverside leading to the famed Daranak Falls, Sitio Tuoy is a community that is as beautiful as it is remote. Reaching it requires a 30–45 minute ride in a monster jeep from the main road of Cuyambay, navigating muddy slopes, shallow streams, and the lush Sierra Madre landscapes. Yet, beyond its natural beauty, residents face challenges in road access and electricity—making their daily lives a testament to resilience and perseverance.
Even more heart-wrenching is the struggle for clean, potable water. Residents rely on rainwater—waiting for each rainfall and filtering what they can—or make the journey to an open riverside spring, exposed to contaminants that threaten their health. Witnessing this, OLFA volunteers were moved and inspired by the community’s strength. Despite these hardships, the locals’ gratitude and perseverance shine brightly, proof that determination and faith endure even in the toughest circumstances.
With the support of volunteers and generous company partners, OLFA launched the “Living Water” project, a solar-powered water sanitation and filtration system that cleans water straight from the source. This initiative now allows the Dumagat Tribe and local residents to enjoy safe, reliable drinking water, improving their health and overall quality of life. The project was officially inaugurated on December 14, 2025, with celebrations that included gift-giving, sharing God’s Word with families, planting fruit-bearing trees as a way of giving back to nature, and joyful games for children—a day filled with gratitude and renewed strength for the entire community.
As Ramon Christopher “Toff” Castillo, Senior Volunteer of OLFA, shared during the formal turnover of the project:
“The Philippines faces many challenges, but we, as Filipinos, are catalysts for positive change, each in our own way. Providing a potable water system in Sitio Tuoy proves that our spirit of One Love can bring light to unreached kababayans. With grateful hearts, we can achieve the impossible together. Instead of focusing on what’s lacking, ask yourself: what can I do to make a positive impact on the people I can reach? Imagine if this spirit touched multiple communities—our Philippines would shine even brighter.”
as he awards it to the tribal leaders of Sitio Tuoy.
For nearly a hundred families in Sitio Tuoy, the Living Water project is a powerful reminder that they are not forgotten. It fills them with joy and energy, knowing they can finally enjoy clean drinking water. It is more than survival—it is a renewal of spirit, a testament that God’s love reaches even the most remote corners of our land.
(Nagpapasalamat po kami sa diyos sa binigay nyang tulong sa amin kasama ang One Love For All. Di na kami maghihirap na makainom na malinis na inumin. Magbibigay ito ng lakas ng loob sa amin na lumaban araw-araw sa buhay.)
“We are thankful to God for the help He has given us through One Love For All. We will no longer struggle to have clean drinking water. This will give us the courage to face life’s daily challenges,” shared Tribal Chieftain Antonio Delos Santos, with heartfelt gratitude.
The project was officially recognized by TUCDUAN, who highlighted its significance in enriching the culture and way of life of the Dumagat and Remontado communities. Michael John Anito, chair of TUCDUAN’s Indigenous People’s Organization, added:
(Ang proyektong patubig na ito ay isang malaking tulong upang mas mapangalagaan natin ang ating pamumuhay, at sa gayon ay mapanatili at mapalakas natin ang kulturang minana natin.)
“This water project is a great help in taking better care of our way of life, and in doing so, preserving and strengthening the culture we have inherited.”
The outreach concluded with meaningful camaraderie between volunteers and residents, leaving a lasting mark on everyone involved. One volunteer reflected:
“I thought serving in this community outreach was about sharing what I have, but I felt differently when I came here. I unexpectedly became a recipient of kindness, reminded that I am blessed beyond what I can imagine—and that I, too, need to be kind to face life head-on.”
As OLFA steps into its 10th year in 2026, the organization continues to serve Rizal and nearby areas, seeking the unreached and spreading love, care, and encouragement. Those who share the same heart to serve can follow their journey on Facebook at One Love For All.
