Days before Christmas, a 94-year-old man from Puerto Galera passed away quietly at a Church-run home for the elderly. In the days leading to his death, visitors often found him sitting peacefully before the image of the Divine Mercy at Hapag Aruga, absorbed in silent prayer.
For Sol Nonato, a visitor in her early 40s, the scene offered deep consolation. What she initially feared would be a place marked only by loneliness and decline revealed instead a space filled with grace—a home where God responds to the common realities many elderly endure: neglect, rejection, and abandonment.
Fourteen years ago, on March 1, the vision that would become Hapag Aruga Kapatid Foundation, Inc. was first conceived. It was inspired by a simple yet radical belief: that every person is a kapatid—a sibling—with God as Father and Christ as Brother.
Age, illness, or poverty do not diminish a person’s dignity. Rather, these realities call forth aruga—the tender, loving care one sibling offers another, patterned after the compassion of Jesus. Within Hapag Aruga are countless untold stories of woundedness and healing, of struggles and quiet victories.
From this vision emerged a ministry of mercy and accompaniment now known as Hapag Aruga Foundation, Inc., under the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan (AVC), located at Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2024, its mission is clearly stated: “A true home where the love and compassion of Jesus Christ is felt by everyone, especially the sick and the elderly.”
More than a physical shelter, Hapag Aruga is a spiritual family. It is a place where elderly men and women—many of whom were neglected, surrendered, or left without caregivers—rediscover a sense of belonging.
Here, they are called Nanay and Tatay. Their names are remembered. Their stories are listened to—not only by staff and caregivers, but also by volunteers and benefactors moved by their quiet goodness.
For one elderly resident, arriving at Hapag Aruga marked the end of years of isolation. Once dependent on neighbors for scraps of food and occasional help, she now shares meals at a common table, joins communal prayers, and receives consistent care.
“Dito, may nagdarasal para sa akin,” she says softly. “Hindi na ako nag-iisa.”
Here, she encountered Christ—not through grand sermons, but through gentle hands, patient listening, and the companionship of fellow elders.
Hapag Aruga provides residential care for elderly persons who have been neglected or surrendered, alongside livelihood and formation programs that restore self-worth and human dignity. The foundation actively builds partnerships with NGOs, Church groups, private individuals, and civic organizations—becoming a bridge that channels God’s generosity to those most in need.
Rooted in the Gospel, its mission is anchored in evangelical poverty, solidarity, and compassion. Under the guidance of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan, its six-fold mission prioritizes pastoral care, collaboration, service to the poorest of the poor, and long-term sustainability. Volunteers, benefactors, caregivers, and partners do more than give resources—they give their hearts.
For Fr. Raymundo, “bringing Christ” to the elderly is not a slogan but a daily commitment expressed through small, faithful acts: wiping away tears, preparing meals with love, offering prayers at dawn and in the stillness of night. It is compassion made visible.
In a world that often measures worth by productivity, strength, and youth, Hapag Aruga stands as a quiet but powerful witness. It reminds society that the elderly are treasures of faith, wisdom, and lived experience. Their lives mirror our own future. Caring for them is not only a social responsibility—it is a Gospel imperative.
The story of Hapag Aruga is an invitation to the Christian community: to love more deeply, to serve more generously, and to recognize Christ in every elderly person who longs to be remembered. For whenever we care for the least among us, we touch the very heart of Christ.
The foundation’s administrator (who prefers not to be named), after years of work in the non-government sector and now nearing retirement, reflects: “These have been meaningful years at Hapag Aruga—years I will treasure in the next chapters of my life.”
With Fr. Andy Peter Lubi succeeding as director, Fr. Raymundo expresses gratitude for the strengthening of systems and the active engagement of the board to ensure the foundation’s sustainability.
A former seminarian (who also prefers not to be named) now serving as administrative staff shares, “This is personal for me. I see my grandmother in them. This is not just work—it is a calling.”
As for Sol Nonato, she leaves Hapag Aruga with a renewed heart. Being present to her father in his 80s, she realizes, is a blessing—an invitation to reflect on her own journey and to respond with gratitude by becoming God’s instrument.
In moments when the world feels cruel, lonely, and discriminatory, Hapag Aruga stands as a reminder: God continues to offer each person a home in His heart.
