A Filipino Franciscan nun has been awarded the prestigious St. Teresa of Calcutta Award for her unwavering commitment to the Indigenous people of the Philippines. Sr. Minerva Caampued of the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters was recognized for her nearly three-decade-long service to the Agta community in Cagayan, northern Philippines. The award celebrates individuals who exemplify the selfless spirit of Mother Teresa by dedicating their lives to serving those most in need.
Sr. Caampued’s work focuses on empowering Indigenous people (IP) through education, heritage preservation, and environmental protection. Her efforts have not only uplifted the Agta but have also contributed to addressing the challenges of marginalization and inequality faced by Indigenous groups in the Philippines.
Sr. Minerva’s Mission of Compassion
For almost 30 years, Sr. Minerva Caampued has devoted her life to supporting the Agta, an Indigenous community in the remote town of Sta. Ana, Cagayan. She has championed various programs to preserve the Agta’s rich cultural heritage while promoting education and sustainable livelihoods. Through her leadership, she established the PAG-ASACA schools, which offer the Agta children access to quality education while helping maintain their cultural identity.
Sr. Caampued’s dedication extends beyond education. She founded the Agta Diget Cooperative, which provides sustainable livelihood opportunities for the Agta. Her initiatives also include healthcare, feeding programs, and environmental conservation efforts aimed at addressing the critical needs of the Indigenous people in the region.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Award: Honoring Selfless Service
The St. Teresa of Calcutta Award, previously known as the Mother Teresa Award, was established in 1983 by the AY Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Yuchengco Group of Companies. This award honors individuals whose selfless acts of service reflect the humanitarian legacy of St. Teresa of Calcutta. The award seeks to recognize those who dedicate their lives to uplifting marginalized communities, much like St. Teresa’s mission of serving the poor and oppressed.
This year’s ceremony took place on October 4, coinciding with Indigenous Peoples’ Month in the Philippines. The award organizers praised Sr. Minerva for her tireless efforts to improve the lives of the Agta through her initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental stewardship. They described her work as “a shining example of compassion, inspiring hope, and transformation.”
A Tribute to the Agta’s Resilience
Upon receiving the award, Sr. Minerva expressed her deep gratitude but emphasized that the recognition is not solely hers. “I dedicate it to the Agta communities, who continue to face the challenges of defending their ancestral domain, asserting their rights, and preserving their cultural heritage amidst marginalization,” she said. Sr. Minerva highlighted the strength and resilience of the Agta, calling them her source of inspiration.
She further acknowledged that her mission is not about seeking success but about staying faithful to her calling. “I am not called to be successful, but to be faithful,” she remarked, drawing on her deep spiritual commitment. Sr. Minerva reaffirmed her promise to continue serving Indigenous communities, particularly in their struggle to protect their ancestral lands from external threats and exploitation.
Challenges Facing Indigenous People in the Philippines
Indigenous people in the Philippines, including the Agta, continue to face significant challenges, such as marginalization, land dispossession, and a lack of access to basic services like education and healthcare. The Agta, in particular, have long struggled to defend their ancestral domain against encroachment and deforestation, which threaten their way of life.
Sr. Minerva’s work is crucial in addressing these issues, providing the Agta with the tools they need to assert their rights and protect their cultural heritage. Her programs not only aim to improve their living conditions but also to empower the Agta in preserving their unique identity and traditions in the face of external pressures.
A Lasting Legacy of Service
Inspired by both St. Teresa of Calcutta and St. Francis of Assisi, Sr. Minerva remains steadfast in her mission to support Indigenous communities. Her work with the Agta is a testament to the power of compassion and the impact of long-term dedication to marginalized groups. As she continues her mission, Sr. Minerva serves as a beacon of hope for many, demonstrating the transformative power of selfless service.
The St. Teresa of Calcutta Award honors not only her remarkable contributions to the Agta people but also the enduring legacy of Mother Teresa’s work, reminding the world of the importance of serving those who are often forgotten and overlooked.