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Minority Care International (MCI) Celebrates the another Batch of College Scholars Graduated

By Shaira Arida

MCI  had reason to celebrate another batch of college scholars graduated from University of Mindanao in Davao City on August26,2025. Theresa Adil graduated with a degree in Social work. Farhana Undin graduated with a degree in Mathematics.  It is a gratifying to see the impact of MCI program has made in the lives many Filipinos and their families. MCI supported their efforts through the years and we are so proud of these students who have made it all the way through college graduation and received College Degree to help them to have better future. Theresa Adil, studied hard and strived to get good grades. With Adil’s determination, and help of MCI mentorship and financial support , she was able to graduate at the top of her class. With her family facing financial hardship, MCI stepped in and helped Ms. Adil attend College where she graduated with BS in Social work. Always, setting high goals for herself , she was recognized for her efforts and received and academic Excellence . “ MCI mean lot to me , mean everything to me . More than given educational , needs , it is a holistic needs, MCI molded us , and gave us all the tools that we need to succeed and guided is to brighter future.” Farhana Undin , as a young girl she loved learning. With the help of MCI and her passion for learning, Ms. Undin was able to get a degree in Mathematics from University of Mindanao . “ I hope, I can also be an instrument of change for the future. Beins a Scholar of MCI has thought me that and so much more.” Continue reading →

SETBI’s First Retreat Inside College Education Bars at Davao Prison and Penal Farm Campus

By Shaira Arida  

       SETBI Partnered with The Minority Care International Student Association (MCISA) successfully conducted it’s first-ever one-day retreat inside SEBTI ‘s DAPECOL campus on August 6, 2025. The event marked a milestone for the institution as it combined education, faith, and fellowship in a unique setting that bridged communities inside and outside the facility. There was no distinguished each other based in who lives behind bars or the outside the bars; there was only a common brotherhood of men and women setting aside time to draw closer to God and each other. The program began with the opening remarks from Dr. Aland Mizell, who highlighted the importance of education and transformation even within prison walls. He then introduced Dr. Gloria

       The retreat was structured into two main sessions. The morning session featured the book reading, group discussions and the sharing of personal reflections. Students related their own struggles and hopes to Zamperini’s experiences, finding strength in his perseverance. The afternoon session was filled with engaging activities such as volleyball, basketball, chess, and scrabble. A total of 79 SETBI students participated in the event. These activities fostered camaraderie and a sense of normalcy, highlighting the holistic purpose of the retreat.

       A total of 79 SETBI students inside the facility actively participated in the retreat. From outside, MCISA members prepared food and snacks, including chicken barbecue, to share with everyone. This simple act of service symbolized unity and care, breaking barriers that often exist between those inside and outside correctional institutions.

      Meanwhile, MCISA members from outside the campus prepared meals and snacks, including chicken barbecue, for the participants and the guests. Contrary to initial expectations, the atmosphere inside was warm and welcoming. The genuine smiles and respectful attitude of the SETBI students deeply touched the MCISA students, breaking stereotypes and it changes our perspectives among them.

       The retreat was not only an academic and spiritual activity but also a powerful demonstration of rehabilitation through education and community support. SETBI College Education Behind Bars continues to show that individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can grow, learn, and contribute positively when given opportunities.

      This event concluded with renewed encouragement for both students and facilitators. It left a lasting impression that transformation is possible when compassion, learning, and faith intersect. More than just an academic exercise, it was a fellowship of hearts- an opportunity to see beyond labels and embrace the humanity we all share. My take way from the retreat inside, if you are lost, you can look for God, the Holy Spirit is just filling this place. Our Job is to open the door and let the Holy Spirit Work

Shaira Arida is the SETBI MEDIA team, She studies at the University of Mindanao , Major in BS in Tourism Management

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Minority Care International Students Association Annual Retreat: The “Unbroken” Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

By Jeremy Jimlan

DAVAO CITY – The Minority Care International Students Association (MCISA) three days annual retreat held from August 8, 2025, at Emilia Healing Resort, was an immersive experience for the MCISA students and other participants. The books we studied at the retreat this year was ‘Unbroken’ a World War II story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. The book tells, in vivid detail, the story of former Olympic runner and WWII POW Louis Zamperini and it covers his goal to win an Olympic medal in the 1936 Berling Games, his disappointment at having 1940 games cancelled , his enlistment in the US Army , his WWII experience in training running  bomber and rescue mission in the South Pacific, the crash of is plane, his 47 days lost at the sea, and his two brutal years in Japanese POW camps. The book is filled with incredible historical details and lessons and fascinating anecdotes as we walk alongside Louie and his journey. We then find Post WWII, trying to recover his life that was, finding love and loss, the battle with his was demons and finally redemption. The event brought together student leaders and SETBI students form College Education Behind Bars, creating a unique space for reflection on survival, resilience, and redemption. The discussion centered on Louie Zamperini’s journey of faith, as depicted in Unbroken. Participants explored how Zamperini’s spiritual awakening, even in the most desperate of circumstances as a prisoner of war, offered him a sense of peace and purpose. Continue reading →

After a hiatus of several years, MCIpopular student exchange program makes a comeback. MCI sent this year Lynnyth Valera Aguilar to Texas for summer program.

The MCI Cultural Student Exchange program is designed with the following objectives:

• To supplement the student's theoretical knowledge with a practical work experience.
• To provide opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem solving skills by being engaged in real life work situation.
• To develop skills and an understanding of the work place to assist in the transition from the academia to the medical institutions after graduation.
• To learn to work well with patients, other nurses, physicians, families, and other health care team members to give patient-centered care.
• To broaden the student's experience by exposure to clinical experience in another culture.

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The newly elected set of MCISA officers took their oath and accepted the challenges of serving their community for academic year 2025-2026 in front of the group MCISA members on September May 11, 2025. At the MCI Weekly Study Forum, 40-45 college students from across the universities come together to explore currents topics such as war, violence, poverty, peace building, human trafficking, hate, and suicide--issues facing their generation. The new officers are determined to implement its global goals. MCI’s weekly study forum is crucial because, unlike school communities, it provides a suitable platform for young people to articulate their thoughts and ideas on current social issues, affairs that impact their lives and communities. And  that prepare them to effectively advocate for their views to a wider audience. It is also a space to learn about the importance of weekly exchanges and how to contribute to them effectively, as well as to offer a solid network of support during the weekly study forum. Continue reading →

Everyone deserves a second chance and the

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SETBI Care ‘s Chemist Julian trained some of the SETBI’s PDL students how to manufacture the handmade soaps as a  source of income. Training inmates in soap making is important because it offers them a valuable skill, increases their productivity and self-esteem, and can contribute to a more positive and healthier prison environment. Additionally, it can equip them with skills that are transferable to the outside world, potentially improving their prospects for successful reintegration and employment after release. The project was developed in a collaboration between the SETBI College Education Behind Bars and SEBTI Care. PDLs often face a shortage of personal hygiene materials , and a low cost but anti bacteria and ecological soap formula was then developed,  using different type of oil that could be manufacture by themselves when they release from the Prison. Chemist Julian trained PDL students how to manufacture soap in the most appropriate way, following the legislation and safety standards. As PDL favor their professional training and subsequent reintegration into society.  After the training, an evaluative questionnaire about how to make soap and manufacture of the soap , Chemist show a demo how to make a soap and the approval of the PDLs was observed , concluding that the activity was very productive and PDL students were excited about to learning how to make soap. Under the soap making training project including entrepreneur’s skills and activities, PDL will be able to strengthen their economic power to earn steady income. Continue reading →