88-year-old former councilor a Mother Teresa awardee

This year’s recipient of the Mother Teresa Award is no former president, noted lawmaker nor even a scion of a rich and influential family who occasionally donates to the poor.

Lucina Cuevas Alday, 88, is a retired public school teacher who is now being honored for devoting her twilight years to serving the poorest of the poor.

A native of Cuenca, Batangas, Alday is a former schoolteacher who became a guidance counselor and social worker before dabbling in politics as an elected city councilor of Manila in 1961.

Born June 30, 1917, Alday has selflessly dedicated her life to public service, at first on her lonesome before teaming up with other civic-minded citizens.

During her earlier years living and working in Pandacan district in Manila, Alday was able to help build public libraries, health centers, chest clinics and even public recreational facilities.

As a local legislator, Alday authored the ordinance that eventually created the Department of Social Welfare in Manila and introduced the School Social Work Program.

She got her first taste of politics when she defended her pro-poor programs using her own personal resources.

Alday later became director of the Bureau of Women and Minors and it was then that she helped form an organization to protect street prostitutes, filing a petition before the National Labor Relations Commission to grant them employment and social benefits.

Her initiatives eventually inspired a resolution passed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in November 1976, which protects women from "dangerous occupations."

Years later, Alday became president of the Philippine Elderly Persons Inc. which enabled her to launch a nationwide effort to help senior citizens feel their importance in society.

At the ripe age of 88, Alday continues to serve society in her capacity as educator, public servant, and as a mother.

Alday received her award at the RCBC Tower’s Carlos P. Romulo Hall before a crowd who applauded her achievements.

Former senator Jovito Salonga, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, former prime minister and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. corporate vice chairman Cesar Virata and Alfonso Yuchengco of the AY Foundation handed Alday the trophy, making her the 18th recipient of the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta award.

Salonga led the group in delivering praises to Alday and congratulating her.

Officials said Alday was also handed a check for P1 million to sustain her social projects.

Alday will allocate P100,000 of this to the Philippine General Hospital Foundation, the Philippine National Red Cross, the National Press Club Foundation’s Scholarship Committee and the Sto. Niño de Pandacan Hospital, among others.

Alday took the opportunity to thank the AY Foundation and its partners in their annual search for the Mother Teresa awardee in an effort to reward those who have made a difference and to inspire others to do the same.

"That’s why I don’t want anybody to help me while I walk," Alday said.