Florentino “Tinoy” Pascual Ruiz
Our History
The Florentino Pascual Ruiz Memorial Foundation, Inc. (FPRMFI)
was born out of love, remembrance, and a shared belief in the
power of education.
Founded on January 5, 2003, in Frankfurt, Germany, the Foundation began as the heartfelt vision of Mr. Nelz Ruiz, who sought to honor the legacy of his late father, Mr. Florentino “Tinoy” Pascual Ruiz. What started as a simple idea to give back to their hometown of Maddela, Quirino soon blossomed into a meaningful movement of hope and opportunity.
Through collaboration with the administrators of Maddela Comprehensive High School (formerly Maddela High School, later renamed Maddela Agro-Industrial National High School), Saint Vincent High School, and dedicated FPRMFI representatives, the Foundation launched its first scholarship program. From that partnership emerged the four pioneer scholars of FPRMFI — the first of many young lives transformed through education and compassion.
In a historic homecoming, the Foundation was formally launched on July 5, 2023, at the Maddela Agro-Industrial National High School (MAINHS). The ceremony gathered more than 200 learners, educators, and community leaders, with Professor Rowaldo “Wali” Del Mundo from the University of the Philippines serving as guest of honor. This moment marked not only the Foundation’s rebirth in the Philippines but also the continuation of Tinoy’s enduring legacy.
The man behind the name, Florentino “Tinoy” Pascual Ruiz, was a respected educator and public servant. A proud graduate of Feati University and the National Teachers College, he was among the pioneering faculty members of Maddela High School. During the school’s inauguration, the late President Diosdado Macapagal personally visited the then–Municipality of Pinappagan to mark the milestone. Beyond education, Tinoy served twelve consecutive years as a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) of Quirino and even presented a resolution at the Batasang Pambansa.
In 1993, Tinoy migrated to the United States to join his son, Nelz, and their family, working with the Army Air Force Exchange Services at Travis Air Force Base, California. He passed away in July 1999 at the David Grant Medical Center in Fairfield, California. His life of service, humility, and dedication continues to inspire the Foundation that bears his name.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Manila officially recognized the Foundation on July 8, 2023, with Certificate of Incorporation No. CN200314973, marking another milestone in its journey of purpose.
Today, FPRMFI proudly celebrates a growing community of 24 alumni who are now professionals, 19 college scholars pursuing higher education across different universities, and 32 high school scholars studying at Maddela Comprehensive High School and Dipintin High School.
Guided by its core values — Dignity, Respect, and Excellence — the Foundation continues to uphold its vision of supporting deserving students, nurturing their potential, and helping them build meaningful futures.
Through its mission of providing scholarships and fostering community engagement, FPRMFI stands as a living tribute to Tinoy Ruiz’s legacy — a legacy that reminds every Maddelanian that education has the power to change not just one life, but entire communities.