Inequality and poverty have long shaped the realities of life in our country, turning the everyday experience of many Filipinos into a quiet struggle for dignity and hope.
To many, the everyday battle lies within the prisons, rehabilitation centers, degraded environment, underprivileged communities, marginalized sectors of the society, and worse, within the government itself.
For Couples for Christ (CFC), the commitment to bridging the gap between compassion and concrete action in addressing the present societal issues has taken shape through its Social Development program—now known as Missio Amare, a name that fittingly means “sent out to love.”
Where It All Began
Missio Amare can be traced back to 1997, when CFC first launched its Special Ministries to reach out to the poor and the marginalized, including prisoners, migrants, and underserved communities. As the organization’s community engagement deepened and expanded, these efforts evolved into Social Ministries in 2003, later becoming the ‘Building the Church of the Poor (BCOP)’, and eventually matured into what is now recognized as Social Development Programs—reflecting a more holistic and structured approach to empowerment.
In 2020, it was integrated into CFC’s Gateway Evangelization, aligning its outreach efforts more closely with the community’s evangelistic mission. However, as its scope and impact continued to expand, it was discerned that the program required greater focus and autonomy. Thus, in 2023, Social Development was formally re-established as a stand-alone initiative—marking a pivotal moment in its evolution and reaffirming its distinct role in advancing transformative service to those in need.
In 2024, it was renamed Missio Amare, a significant mark for the program’s continuity and renewal. Officially registered as Tekton Social Development Association Inc. (TSDAI) on January 9, 2024, marking its 28 years of service for the poor. While the legal entity is new, its mission remains deeply rooted in CFC’s long-standing advocacy: to uplift human dignity and foster both spiritual and socio-economic transformation.
Missio Amare’s Vision and Mission
Missio Amare operates alongside ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor). However, ANCOP operates with a more distinct focus on addressing material poverty, such as providing housing, education, and basic needs. In contrast, Missio Amare concentrates on social development and empowerment, particularly on addressing moral and spiritual poverty. Although complementary in mission, both organizations allow CFC to respond to poverty in its fullness, recognizing that true personal and social development goes beyond material provision.
At its core, Missio Amare envisions “building a better world through compassion, collaboration, pursuit of the common good and restoration of human dignity.” Its mission reflects a deeply faith-driven approach: to serve out of love for God and country, ensuring that every individual is valued and every community has the opportunity to thrive. Guided by values such as empathy, integrity, commitment, and zeal for righteousness, the organization emphasizes both personal transformation and collective action.
Programs and Development
Today, Missio Amare’s programs respond to diverse societal needs. From environmental stewardship through OIKOS, to rehabilitation services for persons deprived of liberty under the Missio Amare Prison Service (MAPS), the organization tackles issues at multiple levels. Programs like ReForm address substance abuse, while Migranti supports overseas workers and their families. Others, such as the Order of St.Michael (OSM), St.Thomas More & Associates (STMA), and Cooperatives Programs, focus on economic empowerment and ethical governance. Complementing these efforts is the Missio Amare Health and Wellness program, which advocates for holistic well-being.
Transcending its programs, Missio Amare’s approach is centered on partnership and community engagement. Linkages with local government units, academic institutions, and national agencies demonstrate its commitment to holistic development.` Whether through tree-planting initiatives, livelihood training, or values formation seminars, each effort reflects a consistent goal: to empower individuals to become active contributors to society.
Leadership and Governance
Guiding the direction and mission of Missio Amare is a dedicated group of leaders committed to service. The organization is supported by its Board of Trustees for 2025–2027, composed of Joel Dayao, Willie Ona, Louie Maglaya, Steve Maningat, Rene Mendoza, Rey Reyes, Allan Santiaga, Jimmy Santiago, and Joe Yamamoto.
Complementing the Board are the Corporate Officers who oversee the organization’s strategic and operational functions: Rey Reyes as Chairman, Joel Dayao as President, Louie Maglaya as Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel, Noli Manuel as Executive Director, and Jimmy Manrique as Treasurer.
They ensure that Missio Amare remains faithful to its mission—providing direction, accountability, and stewardship as it continues to expand its impact in uplifting communities and restoring human dignity.
The Mission Continues
From its humble beginnings as part of CFC’s Special Ministries to its present identity as Missio Amare, the journey of Social Development tells a riveting story of growth, transformation, and enduring mission.
Inequality and poverty have long shaped the realities of life in our country, turning the everyday experience of many Filipinos into a quiet struggle for dignity and hope. Yet amid these challenges, Missio Amare stands as a profound testament to what mission-driven service can achieve. It reminds us that true development goes beyond systems and structures—it is about people whose lives are transformed by love, and who, in turn, are sent forth to become catalysts of transformation in the world.