Teresita L. Silva: Championing the cause of vulnerable families and homeless youth

Ninety-two-year-old Teresita L. Silva is no stranger to hardship. Her experiences with poverty, hunger, and adversity resulted in her passion for advocating for those who struggle daily to survive. For 60 years, her concern for disadvantaged Filipino youth and families inspired her to create programs to improve their quality of life.

Through the years, Teresita has provided services to about 11,500 street children. Of these, 1,800 were referred to recovery centers, while 320 were reunited with their families. She empowered 210 indigent children who eventually earned college degrees.

Under her care, 580 sexually abused street girls received education, medical, and psychosocial interventions from Tahanan Sta. Luisa. 500 annually benefitted from street education programs. She extended medical care to 3,000 street kids and essential services to 1,500 low-income urban families.

Teresita leads ChildHope Philippines Foundation, Inc. as president emeritus and managing board member of Families and Children Empowerment Development (FCED) and Tahanan Sta. Luisa.

The Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award is an annual project of the AY Foundation, Inc. and the Manila Jaycees. Dedicated in honor of the late Nobel Peace Prize winner, St. Teresa of Calcutta, it recognizes selfless lay individuals who dedicated at least 25 years to helping the poor.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by AY Foundation.