“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into what we do.”
This timeless quote from Saint Teresa of Calcutta beautifully encapsulates the mission of Sr. Minerva T. Campuued, FAS, a dedicated nun from the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters.
For over two decades, Sr. Minerva has embodied these words through her pastoral work, placing love and care at the heart of everything she does—much like her inspiration, Mother Teresa.
Sr. Minerva began her ministry in 2002 as a pastoral worker and coordinator at St. Augustine Parish in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
Her journey started humbly, teaching catechism classes to public elementary school students and involving their parents and guardians in faith formation.
This early work laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong dedication to serving others with compassion.
Three years later, Sr. Minerva expanded her focus to youth ministry when she became the campus minister at St. Anthony College in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
There, she spearheaded Christian formation programs, inspiring young people to take active roles in their faith and community. It was during this time that Sr. Minerva became acutely aware of the struggles faced by the Agta, an Indigenous people often marginalized and living in poverty.
Driven by a deep sense of compassion, Sr. Minerva committed herself to improving the lives of the Agta community.
For the past 18 years, her work has had a profound impact on both their living conditions and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
One of her most significant achievements is the establishment of PAG-ASACA, a culture-sensitive, community-based Indigenous People’s Education (IPEd) program that has provided invaluable educational opportunities to Agta children.
Understanding the need for continuity in education, Sr. Minerva coordinated the construction of the Bahay Ugnayan dormitory, ensuring that Agta students could pursue their studies at St. Anthony College.
She also led the development of Agta IKSPS (Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices) textbooks, which help preserve the Agta’s unique cultural heritage for future generations.
Sr. Minerva’s work extends beyond education. To help improve the livelihoods of the Agta people, she organized the Agta Diget Cooperative, which provides training, packaging, and marketing support for their local products.
Additionally, she played a key role in formulating the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Program for the Agta Diget of Palaui Island, advocating for the protection of their ancestral lands and ensuring sustainable development.
Through all these initiatives, Sr. Minerva has shown that it is not just the scope of one’s actions that matters, but the love and dedication poured into each effort.
Her work is a testament to the power of compassion and the Church’s mission to uplift the most vulnerable, ensuring that their dignity, culture, and future are safeguarded.
Beyond her initiatives in livelihood and education, Sr. Minerva has shown boundless compassion for the Agta people, transforming not only their communities but also their futures.
She played a pivotal role in developing key structures such as school buildings, the Agta Learning Center and Museum, a multipurpose hall, a feeding house, and the Ecological and Contemplative Park—an area dedicated to education and spiritual reflection. These vital spaces now serve as beacons of hope and progress.
Her outreach has touched the lives of over 3,000 individuals across Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, and Ilocos Norte.
Through free medical examinations, supplemental feeding programs, and other essential healthcare services, Sr. Minerva has helped alleviate hardships in these marginalized communities.
While the depth of her work may be difficult to fully capture, Sr. Minerva’s efforts were formally recognized by the AY Foundation and the Manila Jaycees, who presented her with the prestigious Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award.
This honor, inspired by the humanitarian legacy of Mother Teresa, is awarded to those who have demonstrated at least 25 years of committed service to the underprivileged.
For Sr. Minerva, receiving the award on October 4, during the country’s celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Month, made the recognition even more meaningful.
During the ceremony in Makati City, she humbly dedicated the accolade to the Agta people, emphasizing their ongoing struggle to protect their ancestral lands and preserve their cultural identity.
“This award is not mine alone,” she remarked. “It belongs to the Agta people and their unwavering spirit. Their strength and resilience inspire me every day.”
Sr. Minerva’s dedication has made her a true advocate for the Agta communities, amplifying their voices, safeguarding their rights, and ensuring a brighter future.
“I offer this to the Agta communities, who continue to defend their ancestral domain and assert their rights, while preserving their rich cultural heritage in the face of marginalization,” she added.
Her pastoral work stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion. Through her tireless efforts, Sr. Minerva has given Filipinos a profound example of how one person’s love and dedication can uplift entire communities.
Her legacy of selfless service shines as a beacon of hope and will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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