ROW Initiative

19/02/2026

Last month, ROW Initiative had the privilege of taking part in the Adaptive Sports and Sports Diplomacy Leadership Camp as organized by PADS Adaptive Dragonboat Racing Team in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. PADS, a Cebu-based non-profit organization promoting inclusion for people with disabilities (PWDs) through sports, education, and advocacy.

Our co-founder, Jessa, was able to speak to 40 youth athletes from across Cebu about leadership in sports, the youth’s potential in nation building and mindfulness.

This camp was more than a sporting event—it was a powerful platform for inclusion, leadership, and international cooperation, mental health awareness, using sports as a common language to empower young leaders with and without disabilities.

This initiative is the direct implementation of the U.S. Adaptive Sports Exchange Program Action Plan, following the participation of PADS in the United States last November 2025—turning global learning into meaningful local impact.

This camp went beyond being just a sports event — it served as a meaningful platform promoting inclusion, leadership, international collaboration, and mental health awareness. Through sports as a shared language, it empowered young leaders both with and without disabilities.

The initiative represents the direct ex*****on of the U.S. Adaptive Sports Exchange Program Action Plan, building on PADS’ participation in the United States in November 2025 and transforming global experiences into impactful local action.

05/02/2026

Heavy Rainfall Warning No. 3 Amendment
Weather System: Tropical Storm (TS) BASYANG
Issued at 09:15 PM 05 February 2026

Orange Warning: (Aloguinsan, Asturias, Balamban, Barili, CityOfCarcar, Carmen, Catmon, CebuCity, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, DanaoCity, Dumanjug, LapuLapuCity, Liloan, MandaueCity, Minglanilla, CityOfNaga, Pinamungajan, SanFernando, Sibonga, Sogod, CityOfTalisay, ToledoCity and Tuburan)
Associated Hazard: FLOODING IS THREATENING in low-lying areas and LANDSLIDES in mountainous areas.

Yellow Warning: , , , , , , , (Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Argao, Badian, Bantayan, CityOfBogo, Boljoon, Borbon, Daanbantayan, Dalaguete, Ginatilan, Madridejos, Malabuyoc, Medellin, Moalboal, Oslob, Pilar, Poro, Ronda, Samboan, SanFrancisco, SanRemigio, SantaFe, Santander, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Tudela) and
Associated Hazard: FLOODING IS POSSIBLE in low-lying areas and LANDSLIDES in mountainous areas.

Meanwhile, Light to Moderate with occasionally Heavy rains are expected over , (Valderrama, Patnongon, SanRemigio, Belison, Sibalom, SanJose, Hamtic, TobiasFornier and AniniY) within the next 1 to 2 hours.

The above conditions are being experienced in and which may persist within 2 to 3 hours and may affect nearby areas.

The public and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices concerned are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and watch for the next warning to be issued at 11:00 PM Today.

09/01/2026

A few days before Christmas, ROW Initiative did some drop-offs of non-food items for victims of several fires that broke out in Cebu City.

We are grateful for all of your in-kind donations and continuously making sure that they get to to those who need them the most.

01/01/2026

Just getting started. Grateful for everyone ROWing with us.

One community at a time.

Here’s to a kinder, grounded, prosperous 2026. ✨

25/12/2025

This Christmas, I’m filled with gratitude.
This year has been humbling.

It reminded us how fragile things can be, but also how much good exists when people choose to care.

I’ve seen generosity without being asked.
People showing up simply because it was the right thing to do.

Communities holding each other up in moments that were anything but easy.

R.O.W. was born from that spirit, and it will continue because of it.

To everyone who believed, helped, encouraged, or quietly stood with us this founding year, thank you.

Your kindness mattered more than you know.
May this Christmas bring you rest, peace, and renewed hope for the year ahead.

With a grateful heart,

Kim
on behalf of R.O.W. initiative🎄🤍

22/12/2025

Dining set distribution and morning huddle over warm bread and cold drinks with our adopted community at Brgy. Dumlog, Talisay.

We were able to distribute 200 sets of the following items:

Plate
Bowl
Saucer
Spoon and fork
Pitcher
Cup
Bucket

Our heartfelt thanks to our partner, Ripe Concepts Inc., for sponsoring the dining sets and helping us with the distribution. Thank you, Arbee's, for the bread.

It’s feeling a lot like Christmas! 🎄

12/12/2025

Last December 2nd, ROW Initiative conducted a psychological debrief session for the faculty of IDEAS school in Brgy. Dumlog, Talisay.

IDEAS became an automatic evacuation and command center during Typhoon Tino out of necessity. Because of this, the faculty and the staff also became first responders heeding the call of their community.

This time, we wanted to give them the safe space to process their feelings and experiences.

We were also able to distribute 110 pieces of brand new mattreses care our sponsor at Granite Industrial Corp. along with water, slippers and toys from our other donors.

03/12/2025

When we first launched the R.O.W. Initiative, it was born out of urgency and the spirit and legacy of my mum, Dr. Rowena Burden: to Respond, Organize, and Work immediately where the need was greatest.
​In these crucial first few weeks, your compassion has fueled three emergency responses, transforming swift action into tangible help for families facing crisis. Thank you. We have seen firsthand the power of Cebuanos rising for one another.

While emergency response is in our DNA, the R.O.W. Initiative was always envisioned as something more: a vehicle for sustainable renewal.
Today, we are thrilled to share that we are officially in the process of NGO registration! This vital step is transforming us from a series of ad-hoc missions into a permanent, powerful force for change here in Cebu.

This transition allows us to focus on the heart of our mission:

We are officially beginning the process of identifying our first "Adopted Community."

Why Adopted Community? This is about partnership, not charity. Relief is temporary, but true dignity is restored when we work together over the long term.

Our Focus: We will be rolling up our sleeves and building climate-adaptive and resilient solutions alongside community members. This is not about giving people solutions; it's about empowering them to design and build a future where the next typhoon or crisis doesn't erase their progress. It's about ensuring those we help today can help themselves tomorrow.

The transition to official registration and long-term community partnerships is a massive undertaking, but the spirit of my mother, and our individual commitments fuel every step.

To everyone who has supported us, shared our initial posts, and stood by us during our rapid emergency responses: Thank you for R.O.W.ING with us.

We are working tirelessly behind the scenes to formalize our structure so we can become the most effective catalyst for the sustainable, climate-adaptive change our beloved Cebu needs.
Watch this space. Our greatest work is just beginning.
We Respond. We Organize. We Work. We are R.O.W.

- Kim, Founder

26/11/2025

ROW Initiative and St. Rafael - Mission of Hope last November 15th at Pulangbato, a mountain barangay in Cebu City, one of those badly affected by Typhoon Tino.

We were able to provide the following to the community:

1,000 hot meals
200 packed meals
350 toiletry kits
720 pairs of rubber slippers
170 medical consultations
100 child participants for play therapy
50 kiddie relief kits
Assorted adult and children’s clothing and footwear

Thank you to all the volunteers and donors who made this mission happen! 🧡

24/11/2025

AYAW KOMPYANSA: Stay Calm, But Stay Ready

We know it’s exhausting. We just got through the recent flooding, and it’s tempting to think the worst is over. But with another weather disturbance approaching, we cannot let our guard down.

"Ayaw Kompyansa" doesn't mean panic. It means being smart.

Because of the recent rains, the ground is already saturated—like a wet sponge that can’t hold any more water. This means even moderate rainfall can cause flash floods much faster than usual.

Here is your "No Complacency" Checklist to keep your family safe without the panic:

✅ Verify Your Info: Only listen to official updates from PAGASA and our LGU. Avoid sharing unverified posts that cause unnecessary fear.
✅ Refresh the Go-Bag: Check your emergency kit today. Do you have fresh water? Batteries for the flashlight? Are your important documents sealed in plastic? Keep it by the door, just in case.
✅ Watch the Water: Keep an eye on the canals or river channels near you. If the water turns muddy (chocolate color) or rises quickly, do not wait for an official announcement—move to higher ground immediately.
✅ Clear the Path: Take 10 minutes to check the drains outside your home. Debris from the last flood might be blocking the flow. A clear path for water reduces flood risk for everyone.
✅ The "Buddy System": Look out for your neighbors—especially the elderly, pregnant women, and PWDs. Make a plan now on how to help them evacuate if the water rises.

Preparedness is our best defense. Let’s stay calm, stay alert, and look out for one another.



———————————————————————————

AYAW KOMPYANSA: Kalma Lang, Pero Andam (Don't Be Complacent: Stay Calm, But Ready)
​
​Nakita nato ang epekto sa niaging baha. Karon nga naay umaabot nga ulan, normal ra nga mobati ta og kabalaka. Pero dili ta angay mag-panic. Ang "Ayaw Kompyansa" dili pasabot nga mahadlok ta, kung dili, magmabinantayon ta.

​Ang yuta humok pa ug dali ra mapuno sa tubig. Busa, bisan gamay nga ulan, posible nga mosaka dayon ang baha.

​Ania ang atong "Ayaw Kompyansa" Checklist para sa atong komunidad:

​✅ Paminaw sa Alerto: Kanunay paminaw sa radyo o tan-aw sa official social media pages sa atong LGU ug PAGASA para sa pinakabag-o nga pahimangno. Ayaw tuo-tuo sa mga "fake news."
​✅ Andama ang Go-Bag: Siguroha nga andam na ang inyong emergency kit nga naay sulod nga importante nga mga butang: flashlight, radyo, tambal, tubig, pagkaon, ug importanteng papeles nga gisulod sa plastic. Ibutang kini sa lugar nga dali ra makuha.
​✅ Bantayi ang Palibot: Obserbahi ang lebel sa tubig sa sapa o kanal duol sa inyong balay. Kung makakita mo nga paspas ang pagsaka sa tubig o naay pag-usab sa kolor niini, pag-andam na sa posibleng pag-evacuate.
​✅ Limpyo nga Kanal: Siguroha nga limpyo ang mga kanal ug agianan sa tubig sa palibot sa inyong balay para dili mabara ang tubig.
​✅ Plano sa Pamilya: Pag-istorya sa inyong pamilya kung asa mo magkita-kita kung sakali magkalagyo mo, ug kinsa ang kontakunon.

​Magtinabangay ta. Kung naay silingan nga nagkinahanglan og tabang, ilabi na ang mga tigulang, mabdos, o PWD, atong tabangan.
​Ang pagka-andam mao ang atong pinakamaayong panagang. Magpabilin tang luwas ug alerto.

​

24/11/2025

22/11/2025

Volunteerism is the cornerstone of R.O.W. Initative. 💙

There are so many ways to help. Please send us a message if you would like to volunteer and follow our page to keep up-to-date with activities and volunteer opportunities.

You can be a ROWER today. 🫵🏼