MANILA – The social action arm of the Archdiocese Manila has PHP12.7 million during its one-day fundraising drive earlier this week.
In a statement Friday, Caritas Manila executive director Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual said they raised the amount during the July 15 Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP) Telethon over Church-run Radio Veritas.
The amount would be used to help some 5,000 scholars for the school year 2024-2025, he said.
Pascual thanked contributors as he noted the crucial role of education in combating poverty and empowering young Filipinos.
He said the funds raised will support YSLEP scholars in pursuing college degrees and technical vocational courses, equipping them with the tools to uplift the quality of life of their families.
In the previous school year, over a thousand YSLEP scholars graduated, with many achieving high honors.
Rye Zotomayor, head of the Financial Steward Division, sqid Caritas Manila Alumni Association (CAMASA) helps graduates in finding employment through job fairs and mentorship programs.
This post-graduation support ensures that YSLEP scholars are well-equipped to succeed in their careers and contribute to society.
For this year, the YSLEP telethon 2024 theme is "Empowering Youth Servant Leaders: Guided by Service, Inspired by Purpose" which will be dedicated to the continued education of its scholars in various parts of the country.
Earlier, Pascual said 1,270 students have graduated for the 2023-2024 school year through the program's help.
To date, there are over 5,000 YSLEP scholars in different parts of the country that include Muslims and Christians. (PNA)
