Our Partners
LOTUS HILFSPROGRAMME e.V.
Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V. is a Germany-based organization dedicated to providing assistance to those in need. The name "Hilfsprogramme" translates from German to "aid program," which reflects its core mission.
Since 2005, Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V. has been a strong partner of the Lotus Foundation, Inc. in the Philippines. This long-standing collaboration has enabled the two organizations to work together on various programs and projects aimed at supporting indigenous and indigent communities.
Through this collaborative effort, Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V. and the Lotus Foundation, Inc. have been able to leverage their resources and expertise to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of many people in the Philippines.
STROBEL FOUNDATION
Strobel Foundation, a charitable organization based in Germany, has been a key partner of the Lotus Foundation, Inc. in the Philippines since 2024. This collaboration has allowed the two organizations to combine their efforts and resources to support various programs and projects aimed at assisting indigent and marginalized communities.
This partnership is specifically focused on two vital initiatives:
- Milk Feeding Programs: The joint effort provides essential nutrition to young children in the Philippines, helping to combat malnutrition and support healthy development.
- Heart Patients Assistance: The partnership extends critical support to heart patients, enabling them to receive the necessary medical care, treatments, and life-saving assistance.
Through their shared commitment, the Strobel Foundation and the Lotus Foundation, Inc. are working to create a lasting and positive impact on the lives of many people in the Philippines by addressing their fundamental health and nutritional needs.
VADECO
Valenton Development Corporation (VADECO) is a key partner of the Lotus Foundation, Inc. in the Philippines. This collaboration, which began in 2003 with the foundation's inception, has been crucial in enabling the foundation to carry out its various programs and projects aimed at assisting indigent and marginalized communities. The partnership leverages the business expertise and resources of the corporation to support the foundation's mission.
This long-standing partnership is a testament to a shared commitment to sustainable community development, helping to ensure the foundation’s programs are not only aligned with its mission but are also strategically sound and sustainable for long-term impact.
AMCOR GROUP OF COMPANIES
Amcor Group of Companies is a dedicated partner of the Lotus Foundation, Inc. in the Philippines, providing valuable support for various community-based programs and projects. This collaboration allows both organizations to combine their resources and efforts to help indigent and marginalized communities.
Through this partnership, the Amcor Group of Companies has been a consistent supporter of key initiatives, including:
- Outreach Programs: Assisting with community-wide efforts to reach and help those in need.
- Medical Missions: Providing crucial aid for medical missions that bring essential healthcare services to remote and underserved areas.
- Relief Operations: Offering timely assistance and support for communities affected by natural disasters or other emergencies.
This collaboration is a clear demonstration of Amcor's commitment to social responsibility and its mission to make a positive impact on the lives of people in the Philippines.
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
NDA
The National Dairy Authority (NDA) has various programs designed to support the growth and sustainability of the Philippine dairy industry. These initiatives are aimed at helping farmers and private enterprises increase local milk production, improve the quality of dairy products, and achieve greater self-sufficiency.
Among these programs is the "Palit Baka" Scheme, a cattle distribution model that provides dairy animals to qualified farmers and organizations. This program is a form of payment-in-kind, where beneficiaries receive an initial set of dairy animals and, in return, after a set period, they are expected to pass on the offspring to other new participants. This system promotes herd expansion and ensures the program's benefits are shared across communities.
Lotus1 Dairy Farm, a key project of the Lotus Foundation, Inc., has successfully availed itself of the NDA's programs. As a beneficiary, Lotus1 Dairy Farm received dairy animals through the "Palit Baka" Scheme to support and expand its dairy operations. This collaboration provides the farm with the necessary livestock to increase its production of fresh, high-quality milk.
In addition to the "Palit Baka" Scheme, the NDA has also provided other forms of technical assistance to the Lotus Foundation, Inc. This support includes expert guidance on animal health, breeding management, and proper feeding practices. This technical collaboration helps ensure that Lotus1 Dairy Farm operates efficiently, maintains the health of its herd, and consistently produces milk that meets national quality standards.
This partnership with the NDA allows the Lotus Foundation to strengthen its livelihood programs and further its mission of empowering communities through sustainable, self-reliant projects.
DTI
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Zambales has been instrumental in supporting the Lotus Foundation, Inc.'s various projects, particularly its dairy initiative. The DTI offers a range of programs designed to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in boosting their productivity, market reach, and overall competitiveness.
Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Lotus1 Dairy Farm
The Shared Service Facility (SSF) program is one of DTI's key initiatives to provide MSMEs with better access to technology and equipment. Through this program, Lotus Foundation, Inc. has availed a Shared Service Facility for its Lotus1 Dairy Farm. This assistance includes access to machinery and equipment, such as milking machines or milk processing and pasteurizing equipment, which helps the farm to:
- Increase Production Capacity: Automating certain processes allows for a higher volume of milk production.
- Improve Product Quality: The use of modern equipment helps ensure milk is processed under sanitary conditions, meeting quality standards.
- Reduce Operational Costs: Efficiency gains from the shared equipment help reduce long-term costs for the farm.
Product Development, Marketing, and Trade Fairs
DTI Zambales actively supports local products through various marketing and development programs. The Lotus Foundation, Inc. and its products from Lotus1 Dairy Farm have benefited from these services, which are vital for expanding market access. These services include:
- Product Development: Expert guidance from DTI helps the foundation improve its dairy products, focusing on better quality, packaging, and branding to make them more appealing to consumers.
- Trade Fairs: Participation in DTI-organized trade fairs and exhibitions, both provincial and national, provides crucial market exposure. These events allow the foundation to showcase its products, connect with potential buyers, and learn about current market trends.
- Marketing Assistance: DTI provides strategies and support to help the foundation effectively market its products, reaching a wider audience and securing a steady market.
Trainings and Seminars
To ensure the sustainability and growth of its projects, the Lotus Foundation, Inc. also participates in various DTI-led trainings and seminars. These capacity-building activities equip the foundation's personnel and the community members they assist with vital knowledge and skills, including:
- Business Management: Training on business planning, financial management, and enterprise development.
- Technical Skills: Workshops focused on specific areas such as quality control, food safety standards, and innovative production techniques.
- Livelihood Programs: DTI's technical assistance helps the foundation's livelihood initiatives, ensuring that beneficiaries are well-equipped to manage their own small enterprises.
Through these comprehensive programs, the Department of Trade and Industry - Zambales serves as a vital partner in helping the Lotus Foundation, Inc. build a sustainable and economically stable community.
DOST
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Zambales is a crucial partner for local enterprises, especially in the agriculture and food processing sectors. Through its various programs, DOST provides science, technology, and innovation (STI) interventions to boost productivity, improve product quality, and ensure competitiveness.
The Lotus Foundation, Inc. has been a key beneficiary of DOST's assistance, particularly for its dairy initiative, Lotus1 Dairy Farm. This collaboration helps the foundation apply scientific advancements to its operations, aligning with DOST's goal of empowering communities through technology.
Technology and Equipment Grants
Through DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the Lotus Foundation, Inc. has availed of grants for essential equipment. These grants are designed to help MSMEs modernize their production processes. The key equipment provided includes:
- Milk Analyzer: These instruments are vital for quality control, accurately measuring fat, protein, and other components in milk. This ensures the milk meets national quality standards before processing.
- Cooling and Pasteurizer Tanks: These crucial pieces of equipment allow the farm to properly cool and pasteurize milk. Pasteurization is a critical food safety step that kills harmful bacteria, ensuring the product is safe for consumption and has a longer shelf life.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
DOST Zambales provides more than just equipment; it offers comprehensive support to ensure the sustainable growth of its beneficiaries. The Lotus Foundation, Inc. has been able to access various trainings and seminars, which are essential for building a skilled workforce.
- Food Safety Seminars and Trainings: These sessions educate the farm's personnel on best practices for handling milk from production to packaging. Topics typically cover proper hygiene, sanitation, and adherence to national food safety standards to prevent contamination.
- Technical Assistance: DOST experts provide hands-on guidance and consultancy services. This technical support helps the farm optimize its operations, troubleshoot issues, and adopt new technologies to enhance its overall efficiency.
Through these combined efforts, the partnership between DOST Zambales and the Lotus Foundation, Inc. has enabled Lotus1 Dairy Farm to not only improve its dairy production but also to build a sustainable and technology-driven livelihood program.
ATI
The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) is the premier extension and training arm of the Philippine Department of Agriculture. Its primary role is to empower farmers, agricultural extension workers, and rural communities with the latest farming technologies and practices. One of its key initiatives is the Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) program, which accredits successful farms to serve as models for other farmers to emulate.
Lotus1 Dairy Farm as an Accredited Learning Site
The Lotus Foundation, Inc. has partnered with the ATI, and through this collaboration, its Lotus1 Dairy Farm has been accredited as a Learning Site for Agriculture. This designation recognizes the farm as a model of success in dairy farming, operating with efficient and sustainable practices. As an accredited site, the farm serves as a hands-on training venue where visitors can learn directly from its operations.
Seminars, Trainings, and Technical Assistance
The partnership allows the Lotus Foundation, Inc. and the communities it serves to avail of a wide range of ATI-led programs, including:
- Capability-Building Seminars: These sessions focus on enhancing knowledge in various aspects of farm management, such as animal health, feed formulation, and dairy processing techniques.
- Practical Trainings: The farm hosts hands-on workshops where farmers and students can learn by doing. This includes live demonstrations on proper milking procedures, sanitation, and the use of modern dairy equipment.
- Technical Assistance: ATI's experts provide valuable consultancy services, helping the farm optimize its operations, solve technical challenges, and ensure its processes are aligned with national agricultural standards.
Through this partnership, the Lotus Foundation, Inc. not only improves its own dairy operations but also fulfills a broader role in promoting agricultural education and self-sufficiency across the region.
LGU – SAN MARCELINO
The Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Marcelino, Zambales, under the leadership of Hon. Elvis R. Soria reaffirms its strong support for the programs and initiatives of Lotus Foundation, Inc., particularly its flagship project, the Lotus Dairy Farm located in Sitio Mambog, Barangay Linasin, San Marcelino, Zambales
The LGU recognizes the role of Lotus Dairy Farm as a model of sustainable agriculture, dairy production, and rural livelihood development in the municipality. Beyond being a producer of fresh, high-quality milk, the farm serves as a learning site for farmers, students, and agricultural stakeholders, showcasing innovative practices in dairy and livestock management.
In addition to agriculture, the LGU fully supports the other community-focused programs of Lotus Foundation, Inc. These include dental and medical missions designed to bring free healthcare to underserved communities; assistance to individual cases, and livelihood programs for local farmers, youth, and community members.
Through coordinated efforts and provision of necessary support, the LGU of San Marcelino works closely with Lotus Foundation, Inc. to ensure the continued success of these programs. This partnership underscores the LGU’s commitment to improving the quality of life of its constituents, uplifting rural communities, and fostering inclusive growth.
STATE UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES/DEPED
Lotus Foundation, Inc., together with its training arm Lotus Farm School and Training Center Inc., through the flagship project Lotus Dairy Farm, has officially entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) State Universities/Colleges to provide hands-on On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Internship opportunities for their students. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to practical education, agricultural innovation, and youth development.
State Universities/Colleges will send their students to Lotus Dairy Farm and Lotus Farm School to undergo immersive training and mentorship. The initiative will cover key areas such as dairy farming, livestock management, sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, and community development, giving students direct exposure to real-world agricultural practices aligned with their academic programs.
As the host-training establishment, Lotus Foundation, Inc. and Lotus Farm School and Training Center will provide supervised fieldwork, mentoring from experienced practitioners, and access to farm operations, processing facilities, and community-based projects. This set-up ensures that students gain both technical competencies and values-driven perspectives, preparing them for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, veterinary science, and related disciplines.
This partnership also strengthens the link between the academic sector and the agri-industry, ensuring that students develop not only knowledge but also practical skills relevant to the needs of local communities and the agricultural workforce. Through this SUC’s affirm their dedication to producing competent, skilled, and socially responsible graduates.
By collaborating with these leading state universities, LFI and LFSATCI continue their mission of “empowering future agricultural professionals”, supporting rural development, and promoting sustainable practices that uplift communities in Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and beyond.
DEP ED
Lotus Foundation, Inc., through Lotus Dairy Farm and Lotus Farm School and Training Center Inc., has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to host Grade 12 Work Immersion Programs for students. This initiative aims to provide senior high school students with hands-on learning experiences that complement their academic preparation and develop workplace-ready skills.
Under the DepEd Senior High School curriculum, work immersion is a vital component designed to expose students to actual work environments. Through this partnership, students from the three participating schools gain practical training in dairy farming, livestock management, sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, and community development.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Family and Friends: The Heart behind Lotus Foundation’s Programs
Behind every successful program of Lotus Foundation, Inc., Lotus Dairy Farm, and Lotus Farm School and Training Center Inc. is a network of dedicated family and friends who selflessly offer their time, expertise, and resources to ensure that the Foundation’s mission reaches more communities. Their quiet but steadfast support has been one of the strongest pillars of the Foundation’s success.
Family members and close friends have played vital roles in different aspects of the Foundation’s programs — from assisting in community outreach and coordinating events, to helping manage farm activities, preparing materials for trainings, and supporting dental and medical missions. They also serve as volunteer mentors and resource persons, sharing their knowledge and skills with students, farmers, and local residents.
This spirit of volunteerism and bayanihan embodies the values at the core of the Foundation’s work: service, collaboration, and compassion. By stepping in during trainings, immersions, and outreach programs, family and friends help create a welcoming environment for students, trainees, and beneficiaries. Their presence reinforces the sense of community and shared purpose that Lotus Foundation strives to cultivate.
The collective effort of family and friends also inspires others to participate, showing that everyone — regardless of profession or background — can contribute to rural development and social change. Their support allows the Foundation to go beyond its operational capacity, extending its reach to more schools, communities, and partner institutions.
Lotus Foundation, Inc. deeply values this network of family and friends who stand beside the organization as champions of sustainable agriculture, youth empowerment, and community development. Their involvement is not only an expression of personal generosity but also a testament to the belief that together, lasting impact can be achieved.
Join Us to Build Better Communities
Lotus Foundation’s journey is rooted in hope, action, and meaningful partnerships. Now, we're inviting you to be part of that journey. Whether you're an individual, group, or organization, your involvement can help shape a more empowered, sustainable future for the communities we serve.
