Poverty afflicts more than a fifth of the total population of the Philippines but is as high as 75% in some southern areas of the country. More than 60% of the poor reside in rural areas, where the incidence of poverty is more severe. These communities are also more vulnerable to natural disasters which are common in this area and which regularly cause destruction of the limited infrastructure supporting these families. Many of the children who are most in need of our help are located in these areas.

The Sisters of Mary programs operate and maintain four schools in the Philippines: Biga Girlstown, Adlas Boystown, Talisay Girlstown, and Minglanilla Boystown. Marginalized boys and girls, ranging in age from 12 to 18, receive secondary education and intensive vocational training. The JP Rizal Memorial Foundation Infirmary in Biga provides medical and dental care to the children in Biga and Adlas. The Marie Doty Maternal and Children’s Infirmary provides medical and dental care for the boys in Minglanilla.