Two scholars of the *Misyon sa Kadalanan* (Mission in the Streets) program are set to walk the stage in the coming months to receive their hard-earned diplomas — a milestone that is as much a testament to their perseverance as it is to the community that believed in them.
Mary Jane Gabutero and April Mae Culpa, who will graduate in June and July respectively, were all smiles and full of gratitude during a thanksgiving gathering held in their honor. Present at the celebration were supporters and benefactors of the program, staff members, fellow scholars who are still pursuing their studies, and Redemptorist priests and brothers.
Fr. Emie Maningo, CSsR, who started this “Misyon sa Kadalanan,” shared how it all began. He recalled his encounter with them during the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Icon Congress held in Cebu in February 2017, which commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Redemptorists being entrusted the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help with the mandate to Make Her Known throughout the world.
During that congress, Fr. Emie noticed children gathered outside the church on the streets and warmly invited them inside. It was in that moment of encounter that these children expressed their deep desire to be supported in their studies — they longed to finish their education but faced serious hardships due to economic circumstances. Witnessing the success of these two graduates, Fr. Emie sees their achievement as a living fruit of the message of the Icon Congress.
“I am grateful to all who helped me,” said Mary Jane, fondly known as MJ, in an interview during the gathering. She will graduate with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation on June 20, 2026. She recalled being around 13 or 14 years old when she first became part of the “Misyon”, having grown up in the Mango area near the Redemptorist Church in Cebu. With heartfelt sincerity, she encouraged other scholars to take their studies seriously and not to waste the opportunity they have been given.
April Mae Culpa was equally overjoyed, beaming with pride as she prepares to receive her degree in Bachelor of Arts in Political Science on July 14, 2026, from the University of the Philippines Cebu. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue Law and hopes to one day become a lawyer — a dream that once seemed out of reach and a desire to help others in need.
April’s message to other young people is one of unwavering hope: “Do not let poverty stop you from achieving your goals.” She added that opportunities reveal themselves to those whose hearts are open and who are willing to accept help.
The “Misyon sa Kadalanan” continues its mission of hope for the children on the streets of Cebu. Now in its ninth year, Mary Jane and April Mae are its first graduates — a promising beginning that would not have been possible without the generosity of those who chose to help. You, too, can be part of this story.
Photos courtesy of Mary Jane Gabutero and April Mae Culpa
