Caritas Manila’s (CM) flagship program is Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP).

CM scholar Maria Tacianne L. Funes from Rizal province, took up Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, graduated magna cum laude and became the valedictorian of Class 2017 of the University of Rizal System in Cardona.

“I would like to thank the people behind Caritas Manila, all the donors and sponsors, our coordinators, my coscholars, for being with me in my journey of finding the Lord, realizing His plans, and understanding my deeper purpose in life,” Funes said in her valedictory speech.

Maria is among the 814 YSLEP scholars this year. CM helps 5,000 students nationwide.

“Caritas Manila will strengthen our education program YSLEP to help more poor but deserving youths all over the country. It is also our way of eradicating poverty in the country,” Fr. Pascual said. —CONTRIBUTED

Call 5639311, 5640205, 09997943455, 09054285001 or 09298343857; visit www.caritas.org.ph.