Madrigal Foundation Remembers Philanthropist

Naga City (24 March 2011) -- The Consuelo “Chito” Madrigal Foundation–Bikol (CCMF-Bikol) with its thrust of “Fighting Poverty through Entrepreneurship,” commemorated the third death anniversary of its founder-benefactor, CONSUELO ALEJANDRA MADRIGAL or simply “Doña Chito” to everyone.

A concelebrated mass by Fr. Wilmer S. Tria, Chief Executive Officer, and Fr. Joel E. Tabora S.J., Co-Director of the Foundation, held at the University Church of the Ateneo de Naga University was offered for the eternal repose of the soul of Doña Chito as well as to express the Foundation’s thanks that in Doña Chito’s lifetime she chose to share her blessings to Bikol.

Fr. WIlmer r. Wilmer S. Tria, Chief Executive Officer, delivering remarks of gratitude.

Doña Chito has part of her roots in Bikol, being the daughter of Susana Paterno of Quiapo, Manila and Don Vicente Madrigal of Ligao, Albay.

CCMF family scholars and beneficiaries.

In the meantime, the Mass was attended by the Madrigal community, guests and beneficiaries of the Foundation’s programs.

In his homily, Fr. Joel stressed Doña Chito’s spirit of generosity and compassion that moved her to put up a foundation in Bikol that would be her legacy.

He also reiterated the foundation’s mission of helping people through its programs which, according to Doña Chito, must not by dole outs but by helping people help themselves fight their own poverty; and thus help others to do the same hence eventually becoming self-reliant and gaining self-respect.

While it seemed late in her lifetime that Doña Chito put up her foundation in Bikol, Fr. Tria said that it was never too late to help the poor.

He recalled Doña Chito’s words: “Remember the poor who truly deserve our highest attention. In God’s economy, there really should be enough going for everyone on this earth.”

Fr. Wilmer S. Tria, Chief Executive Officer, and Fr. Joel E. Tabora S.J., Co-Director of the Foundation offering concelebrated mass by  at the University Church of the Ateneo de Naga University.

After the mass, lunch was prepared for beneficiaries of the Foundation’s programs who shared their testimony on how Doña Chito’s Foundation in Bikol helped them and their families.