The eastern part of the Philippine Islands is comprised of several islands, including Samar, Biliran, Leyte, the tiny island of Siquijor, and the large island of Mindanao. These islands vary greatly in size and character, and the journey through this expansive part of the archipelago is undertaken by Sisters Spe and Bridget. Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries continues to provide rescue services, education programs, awareness campaigns, and vocational training for the many children, girls, and women living on these islands, as well as the others we serve.

SAMAR Island

"We visited Allen, located in the northernmost part of Samar, where we met a young girl who had been forced into commercial sex work at a very young age. She was initially abused by her father, who was imprisoned once the situation came to light. This trauma led her to feel shame and distress, ultimately driving her into the trafficking trade. We reached out to her at home and assured her that we could help her rebuild her life."

After explaining the Home of Love Rehabilitation and Livelihood Center, the Sisters offered to take her in, support her healing process, and eventually assist her in returning to school—all at no cost. Despite her desire for a fresh start, she has yet to commit due to fears of leaving her mother behind. This hesitation is common among many girls; their strong ties to their mothers, along with feelings of guilt, often hold them back. We make every effort to help parents or grandparents understand that the opportunities we offer would benefit their child, but poverty and the insecurity that accompanies it can overwhelm many families.

The Sisters had no means of transportation this year in Catarman, so they were dependent on irregular public transportation and could only manage a few boxes of school supplies at a time. This presented a 'back and forth" trip dozens of times, and sometimes the buses were so irregular that they were stranded overnight. Luckily, the locals invited them to stay over on these occasions - and the next morning they would begin their ritual again. As a result, though, hundreds of children, in and around the Catarman area, were signed up for school, their new gifted supplies in hand.

LEYTE Island

Maasin, a poor area in Southern Leyte, is a hotbed of trafficking, as reported to us by school teachers and the local government, but we can report a remarkable success story. On May 4, 2024, a 15-year-old survivor of sexual abuse, who has a one-year-old son, was admitted to the Home of Love (HOL) after being referred by the Leyte Local Government Unit (LGU). The young girl was sexually abused by her stepfather. Currently, she is receiving counseling and participating in various programs at the center to aid in healing her trauma. The HOL also provides care for her son, ensuring that all of their needs are met at no cost. Once she is ready, she will enroll in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program to continue her education. Our distribution of school supplies was smooth and hassle-free. Coordinators, parents, and teachers provided tremendous assistance and cooperation. 422 new beneficiaries entered school for the 2025/2026 year. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Most Rev. Precioso Cantillas, Bishop of the Diocese of Maasin, for his ongoing support. We are especially thankful to Fr. Mervin Dolayba, the parish priest of Limasawa, who provided us with accommodations and meals during our distribution efforts. We acknowledge Mrs. Rosaminee S. Montanes, the coordinator in Limasawa, for her crucial role in organizing the distribution and managing our needs. We also appreciate Mrs. Ofelia Hipolito so very much. Mrs. Rachael Paelis provided transportation during the distribution and shared valuable insights on spiritual formation with our beneficiaries.

BILIRAN and SIGUIJOR Islands

Small islands are often difficult to access and have small populations, which means they typically have limited facilities and transportation options, especially in rural barangays. However, many deserving children live in these areas, and it is our mission to reach every single one of them. The children from these small islands grow up in tightly bonded communities with strong family ties.

Siquijor and Biliran are known for valuing education, but many schools lack updated books, computers, and science materials. The upland and remote areas often have a shortage of teachers, and young and older children must undertake long walks, especially in mountainous villages, to reach school. Thus, our Regina Coeli Program is of utmost importance in this region. Despite these challenges, the families on both islands are determined to prioritize education for their children. And we are here to assist them.

MINDANAO Island

As we conclude our journey through the Philippines, we arrive at the island of Mindanao, which has a fascinating history and is distinct from the other Philippine islands in many ways. With over 20 million residents, this island features diverse terrain, including mountains, valleys, plains, forests, and coastlines. Indigenous groups, Muslims, and Christian settlers coexist here, sometimes peacefully and at other times in conflict.

Mother Mary has always guided us as we enter bars and brothels. While visiting Agusan del Norte and Davao City prostitution areas, we discovered that many girls and women are eager for the Word of God, making scapulars and rosaries effective tools for reaching these vulnerable individuals. Even the pimps and Mamasangs showed keen interest in what we had to share. As we were taken aback by the number of women working in a single bar called "The Golden Dragon," we were surprisingly granted access to the dressing rooms to speak with them. Some were very young and had children at home being cared for by their partners. We felt a sense of fulfillment knowing that many expressed a desire to attend Mass and pray daily. We stay in contact, hoping the connection we've made will inspire courage in others to join us in our Home of Love.

LUZON ISLANDS

WEST & CENTRAL VISAYAS

EAST VISAYAS AND MINDANAO ISLAND

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