A BRIEF HISTORY

The first Ritenians of Northern California were part of the Philippine “brain drain” wave of professionals during the 60's and 70's to the United States . Originally comprising of eight families who resettled in the San Francisco bay area, the Cuencos, Dizons, Gandos, Garcias, Guanzons, Marianos, Miguels, and Perreras formed an alliance to enhance their lives and reinforce their ties with the people of Santa Rita, Pampanga, where they come from. In order to assist newcomers to the states and pool resources to uplift the livelihood of their town mates in the Philippines , they founded the Ritenians of Northern California in May 1978, and incorporated on October 18, 2002 as a non-profit, public benefit organization.

The Ritenians have since responded for financial assistance from the civic, educational, cultural, and religious sectors in the Philippines , particularly the province of Pampanga . One of its first major projects was launched in 1991 to help the lahar victims of Mt. Pinatubo with food and monetary aid. In 1994, the Ritenians provided the financing for various vocational training programs for the disadvantaged and displaced workers in Santa Rita. The flow of support to community based segments continued with the procurement of media equipment to bring ABS-CBN TVed programs into barrio schools. Privately funded libraries were furnished alike with computers to enable school children to learn and keep up with the “hi-tech” age. During the 2000's, the Ritenians participated in the renovation of the Santa Rita parish reception hall by donating the new Spanish ”capiz” windows. In 2003, through the personal endeavor of the Lapid family and contributions from friends and members, a Save-A-Tahanan STM chapter was established in Barangay Becuran, to capitalize small-scale developmental industries. Similar chapters are underway in Dila-Dila and San Matias. Only recently, joint resources from members and the Peralta family brought about the complete reconstruction of the Santa Rita Public Health Center from the ground up. Current projects under consideration include a new child-care building in Barangay San Vicente and the re-flooring of the Santa Rita de Casia Church to flood-free level.

Today, membership of the Ritenians covers a wider demographics that include all northern bay area and most of the central California counties. Core members include 200 families and individuals bonded together by a common root, with common interests and common goals. Presently, it is seeking collaboration with other Ritenian organizations here and abroad, to form one global umbrella group under Project RITA (Ritenians International Team in Action) to meet challenges ahead.

To inquire, call 925-682-8682.