12/07/2026
Mga Iskolar sa Simbahan
The Kairos and Annual Recognition 2026 of the Youth Servant Leaders Education Program (YSLEP) began with a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Fr. Gerardo F. S**o Jr., Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, reminding everyone that every achievement finds its true meaning when offered back to God. Hosted this year by the Diocese of Tagbilaran, the gathering brought together YSLEP scholars from across Region VII for a day of prayer, inspiration, and recognition.
Implemented by Caritas Manila in partnership with dioceses throughout the country, YSLEP continues to transform lives by providing educational opportunities to young people from financially challenged families and to those who really need the opportunity. For many of the scholars, finishing school once seemed impossible because of certain circumstances. Through this initiative, however, they have found not only the means to pursue their education but also renewed hope for themselves and their families.
One of the most moving moments of the celebration came during the thanksgiving messages of the scholars and a parent. Their heartfelt testimonies of sacrifice, perseverance, and faith brought many in the audience to tears. Their words were not only expressions of gratitude to God and their families but also to the countless donors and benefactors of Caritas Manila whose generosity has made these educational opportunities possible. Their stories became a powerful reminder that an act of generosity can change not only one student's future but the future of an entire family.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Lope Hubac of the Department of Education–Bohol, who encouraged the scholars to continue dreaming, work hard, remain grateful, and always place their trust in God. Drawing from his own experience as a former Church servant leader, he reminded the young people that true success is achieved not only through excellence but also through a life of faith and service.
The celebration honored 56 graduates from the different dioceses of Region VII, recognizing not only their academic achievement but also their perseverance, resilience, and unwavering hope despite the many challenges they faced in pursuing their education.
Also present during the celebration were Fr. Jude Marvin Gumapac, Social Action Director of the Diocese of Talibon; Ms. Marilou Cajuyong, Visayas YSLEP Program Officer; Ms. Maribel Palmitos, Caritas Manila YSLEP Program Head; Ms. Ronalyn Bedolido of Cebu Caritas; Sr. Ma. Lilia Fernandez, RVM of MINSAC Cebu; Ms. Luisa Dospeublos of Talibon YSLEP; and Ms. Jessica Cuaresma of Tagbilaran YSLEP. Members of the Caritas Manila Scholars Association Alumni (CAMASA), graduates, scholars, and parents also joined the celebration.
More than an annual recognition ceremony, Kairos and Annual Recognition 2026 became a celebration of the Church's unwavering commitment to accompany the poor through education. Through the generosity of Caritas Manila, its many donors and benefactors, and its partner dioceses, countless young people are discovering that poverty need not define their future. Yesterday's celebration was a beautiful reminder that when the Church invests in the education of the young, it is also investing in families, communities, and a future filled with hope. Indeed, the Church continues to build not only scholars, but servant leaders who will one day become instruments of hope for others.
