In the lush, verdant hills of Santa Ana, Cagayan, the Agta community has long thrived in close connection with the natural world. Yet, despite their deep bond with the land, the Agta people face many challenges—limited access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods has left them on the margins of society. For this resilient indigenous group, survival often means fighting for their fundamental rights.
However, for Sr. Minerva T. Caampued, a passionate advocate for the underserved, these difficulties are not insurmountable barriers. Instead, they serve as a call to action—a call that has driven her to spend her life dedicated to empowering and uplifting the Agta community.
A native of Cagayan herself, Sr. Minerva has spent decades serving marginalized communities across the region. Her journey with the Agta people began more than a decade ago when she first visited their remote settlements as part of an outreach mission.
What began as a brief visit turned into a life-changing commitment. Sr. Minerva was profoundly moved by the hardships and resilience of the Agta people. From that moment, she vowed to dedicate her life to improving their quality of life, empowering them through education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.
Among the first of Sr. Minerva’s initiatives was the creation of a learning center designed to provide Agta children with access to education. Understanding that knowledge is power, she tirelessly advocated for the establishment of this center, working alongside local educators, volunteers, and community leaders to offer free educational programs to children in the area.
The learning center has since become a cornerstone of the Agta community. Not only does it provide children with the skills needed to thrive in the modern world, but it also offers cultural preservation programs. Agta children are encouraged to embrace their heritage, learning traditional crafts, dances, and storytelling alongside essential academic subjects. This holistic approach helps bridge the gap between modern education and indigenous culture, fostering a sense of pride and identity among the youth.
Recognizing that economic stability is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty, Sr. Minerva also spearheaded livelihood programs tailored to the Agta community’s unique skills and environment. These programs include sustainable farming practices, fishing techniques, and workshops in handicraft-making—skills that not only reflect the Agta’s heritage but also provide practical means of sustenance.
Through her partnerships with local government units, non-governmental organizations, and fellow advocates, Sr. Minerva has facilitated access to broader markets where the community can sell their handcrafted goods and agricultural products. The income generated from these initiatives helps families meet their basic needs, send their children to school, and invest in a more secure future.
In addition to her work in education and livelihoods, Sr. Minerva has made healthcare one of the cornerstones of her mission. The Agta community, like many indigenous groups, has faced barriers to adequate healthcare. Sr. Minerva has organized regular medical missions, bringing doctors, nurses, and medical supplies to remote areas. These missions have provided essential services, such as preventive care, vaccinations, and basic health education.
By addressing health disparities, Sr. Minerva’s initiatives have dramatically improved the well-being of the Agta people. The community is now better equipped to manage common health challenges and prevent the spread of diseases, contributing to a healthier, more resilient population.
For the Agta people, Sr. Minerva Caampued is more than a missionary—she is family. Her unwavering presence in their lives has not only provided practical support but also instilled a sense of dignity, hope, and belonging. Through her work, Sr. Minerva has shown that love—rooted in compassion and service—is the most powerful force for transformation.
Her mission continues to inspire others to join in her work, creating a ripple effect of kindness, service, and solidarity. In Santa Ana, among the breathtaking landscapes and the joyful laughter of Agta children, Sr. Minerva’s lifelong commitment stands as a testament to the transformative power of love and service—an enduring legacy that will uplift the Agta community for generations to come. (OTB/GVB/PIA Cagayan)
