They say that when you discover the joy of giving, you discover the reason for living. And nothing is more fulfilling than caring and sharing your blessings with those who need it most. This is the guiding principle of Manang Inday Foundation Inc (MIFI), headed by Cathy Esplana, or known to her family and friends as Manang Inday (who is celebrating her birthday today, February 13).
Though the foundation is new, Manang Inday is not a newbie in charity works. She has done and spearheaded countless charity events, medical mission and activities for people living below the poverty line.
When asked how she started the foundation, Manang Inday says she has always been exposed to doing community work and helping the underprivileged and those who are in need. And she wants to reach out to more people that’s why she created the foundation. 
This is one of the reasons why Manang Inday strongly supports PAG-ULIKID, the social development program headed by our First Lady, Atty. Liza Araneta-Marcos. MIFI has been carrying out some of the programs of Pag-ulikid, giving assistance and providing necessary aid to those in need, especially children, struggling women and single mothers.
PAG-ULIKID, is a Visayan term which means to look back at your past or roots with fondness and affinity. It is a very Filipino thing- a cultural trait which is innate to most of us. This is why we take care of our elders and we give importance to those who took care of us or helped us in our journey.
“We are inspired by Pag-ulikid because it is how we are as a people- we always look back to where we came from. We have strong ties to our families and communities,” says Manang Inday. “We believe that what we are now is a product of our past that’s why we can truly relate to this advocacy.”
Pag-ulikid has been visiting low-income barangays in various provinces in the Philippines to give help. Recently they were in Iloilo to give gift packs to school children and elderly and in Montalban for a medical mission.
In a joint effort, Pag-ulikid and Manang Inday Foundation Inc also launched the Buenas Sa Bigas project where they gave rice in Valenzuela City.
“This social development program by our First Lady is a beautiful thing. We give back to the community and we take care of those who are in need. that’s why we are all out in supporting her advocacy. I hope that more people will join us in helping our community.”
Manang Inday Foundation Inc. recently held a festival dance contest in Quezon City to encourage the youth to be more active and productive.
“Cliché as it may sound, the youth is our future. We want them to rediscover our culture and tradition through dance. Instead of drinking and doing drugs, why not dance, right?” Manang Inday says her foundation is looking forward to supporting more youth-oriented projects in the coming days.