Our Story

This foundation started with a memory.

One of our co-founders grew up on the island of Naborot, part of Carles, Iloilo. Back then, elementary school meant leaving home — taking the ferry to the mainland and staying in a hostel with other kids from the island, all week, every week. Food money was tight: about 250 pesos a week to get by on.

That’s no longer the case. Kids on Naborot now go to school right there on the island — a real, meaningful change from a generation ago. But the shift moved the hardship, it didn’t remove it. Now it’s the teachers who make the trip: a 30-minute ferry ride each way, every school day. When it runs late, some stay overnight at the school rather than risk the crossing.

And the kids still need more than what’s currently there. Meals aren’t guaranteed. Many wear flip-flops instead of proper shoes. School supplies run short.

Hearing all of this laid out so plainly, it became hard not to act. It seemed like even a modest amount, raised and directed well, could genuinely change day-to-day life for these kids. So we asked a simple question: what would actually make a difference?

That question turned into phone calls to teachers on the island — people who know exactly what’s needed because they see it every day. They said yes right away. We had our first call recently, and JD Foundation grew out of that conversation.

We’re just getting started, and we’d love for you to follow along — whether that’s by checking back for updates, sharing this with someone who cares about kids and education, or reaching out to see how you can help.