Roots of Health is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the health of women and girls, and their communities, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Palawan

Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region or Region 4. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the...

, in the Philippines. The organization aims to increase the reproductive health and overall well-being of women and girls, and decrease malnutrition in babies and young children.

History

Roots of Health was founded in 2009 by Amina Evangelista Swanepoel and her mother, Susan Evangelista. The main site of work is an area named Pulang Lupa (Red Earth), which is in close proximity to the city landfill. Roots of Health also provides seminars and workshops for students of Palawan State University.

Awards

Ami Swanepoel was recently nominated by Probe Media Foundation for a MDG Warrior award for her work with Roots of Health. She was a finalist for the Millennium Development Goal of Improving Maternal Health.

Board members

• Kathleen Berroth,
• Radha Chuarushiya,
• Marty Dewees,
• Johanna B. Fine,
• Sabrina Hermosilla,
• Suneeta Kaimal,
• Mae Podesta,
• Lee Stasiulis.

Advisory committee

Carlos Celdran,
Mae Legazpi,
Ana Javarez,
Rhoda Contreras-Manalon,
Narcy Mikkelson,
Sara Reysio-Cruz,
and Dr. Jose Socrates.