Ricci Parto-Dela Cruz | Filipino Catholic Author, Speaker, and President & Founder of KatoLago

Mission

Ricci Parto-Dela Cruz is a Filipino Catholic author, speaker, and President and Founder of KatoLago Foundation, known for creating catechetical books and faith-formation resources for children and families. She helps young readers encounter prayer, the sacraments, and the life of the Church through accessible and culturally rooted materials.

She is the President and Founder of KatoLago Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband, Andrew Dela Cruz, providing free Catholic faith-formation resources for young learners. Through her work in writing, formation, and publishing, she develops children’s books, devotional guides, and catechetical materials that support parents, catechists, and parishes in forming young people in the faith.

Ricci also serves on the Board of Trustees of Word and Life Publications, contributing to Catholic publishing and formation initiatives.

She is a registered author with the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

Selected Works

•  Liyab: Puspos sa Apoy ng Espiritu Santo
•  Agos: Binyag sa Banal na Tubig ng Buhay
•  Daan ng Krus para sa Kabataang Pilipino: Paglalakbay Kasama si Hesus
•  MyPAD Mini: Prayers and Dialogues with God (for Adults)
•  MyPAD Mini: Prayers and Dialogues with God (for Children)
•  Nobena para kay Santa Catalina ng Siena

Books and Catholic Publishing

Ricci has written several catechetical books, including Daan ng Krus Para sa Kabataang Pilipino: Paglalakbay at Pagsasabuhay, Nobena para kay Santa Catalina ng Siena, Agos: Binyag sa Banal na Tubig ng Buhay, Liyab: Puspos sa Apoy ng Espiritu Santo, and MyPAD: My Prayers and Dialogues with God, co-authored with Nine Ajon, an educator from Ateneo Grade School and Director of Publishing at KatoLago Foundation. Several of their works have been recognized as finalists at the Catholic Mass Media Awards.

The catechetical books published through KatoLago carry the Nihil Obstat granted by Rev. Fr. Nino B. Etulle, S.C.J., and the Imprimatur of Most Rev. Roberto O. Gaa, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Novaliches, affirming their fidelity to Catholic teaching.

The KatoLago website has received multiple recognitions from the Catholic Mass Media Awards, including Best Website at the 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards, following earlier distinctions as Finalist and Special Citation in the website category.

Ricci also serves as Associate Editor of KristoKids, a Catholic children’s magazine produced in collaboration with Word and Life Publications.

Journalism, Service, and Formation

Before dedicating her work to catechetical publishing and formation, Ricci worked as a broadcast journalist, serving as a business reporter for GMA News and Public Affairs and later as a Sydney correspondent for Balitang Australia of ABS-CBN Global.

For her contributions to community and socio-civic initiatives, she was recognized as a GAWAD CECILIA Awardee for Socio-Civic Services at the 12th Kababaihang Dangal ng Bayan Awards in 2020.

Ricci is currently a Formator and Facilitator for the Diocese of Novaliches (2025–Present) and previously served as Parish Pastoral Council Couple Chair of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Quezon City (2019–2025).

She has also functioned as a panel evaluator representing the Catholic Church in the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Best Practice Awards of Barangay Culiat, District 6, Quezon City (2023–2025).

In addition, she has served in various leadership roles in the Ateneo de Manila University Grade School and Junior High School Parent Councils since 2017 to present, including as Chairperson of the Ateneo Grade School Parent Auxiliary Council for School Year 2023–2024.

She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Personal Life

Ricci Parto-Dela Cruz is married to Andrew Dela Cruz, her co-founder at KatoLago Foundation. They have three children: Ysa, Koko, and Oreo.

Awards and Recognitions

Best Website — KatoLago.com
47th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA)
Citystate Tower Hotel, Ermita, Manila
November 19, 2025

Finalist — Best Website — KatoLago.com
46th Catholic Mass Media Awards

Special Citation — Website Category — KatoLago.com
45th Catholic Mass Media Awards

Finalist — Best Children’s Story (Print)
Agos: Binyag sa Banal na Tubig ng Buhay
46th Catholic Mass Media Awards, 2024

Finalist — Best Special Feature (Print)
Daan ng Krus Para sa Kabataang Pilipino: Paglalakbay at Pagsasabuhay
45th Catholic Mass Media Awards, 2023

Finalist — Best Special Feature (Print)
Nobena para kay Santa Catalina ng Siena
45th Catholic Mass Media Awards, 2023

GAWAD CECILIA Awardee for Socio-Civic Services
12th Kababaihang Dangal ng Bayan
July 3, 2020

Media and Interviews (Selected) 

Ricci Parto-Dela Cruz and Andrew Dela Cruz have been featured in various media platforms and interviews, sharing insights on Catholic formation, catechesis for children, and the mission of KatoLago Foundation