Mariquita Yeung devoted much of her life finding ways to help the indigent
Admirable in more ways than one, MARIQUITA YEUNG is an exceptional woman of substance— genuine in her actions, wise in her words, and giving in every way possible
Nothing is too difficult or impossible for the founder and chairperson of MSYCFI (Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung Charitable Foundation, Inc.), Mariquita Yeung. She is, after all, a woman with many roles—aside from being a mother, a grandmother, and to her four brothers, both mother and sister, she proudly states that she is also an educator and disciplinarian to her big family. Always ready to share and impart her blessings to others, she is a role model and an aspiration for many. From the pinnacles of society to the indigent communities of her locale, one can hear nothing but praises for the genuinely caring matriarch.
Inspired by her father’s acts of benevolence, Mariquita was raised to be a person for others. “No one is ever so poor or ever so small as not to be able to give something of himself,” she starts. “This was my father’s life. As a child, I was my father’s little helper. I witnessed all his kindness and generosity to our neighbors. I grew up realizing that our ordinary life in Barangay Curva, in the Northern Cebu town of Medellin was not a hindrance to help. My father expressed his language of charity in different ways: guidance counseling, sharing food, and sharing clothes.” Ingrained in her character, she continues her father’s legacy with pride, helping others and keeping his memory alive at the same time.
And with all the work that she has done in her community, she feels extremely blessed by God’s grace. Mariquita happily says that her husband Carlos was a God-given gift—one that He saw in her heart and gave her to do more for others. Carlos turned her childhood dream into a reality, establishing a foundation he named after her in 1991. It was a warm gesture of love and devotion, which has produced invaluable aid to the local communities and even neighboring locales. In 1998, Dr. James Joaquino, a good friend of the Yeungs, introduced Mariquita to the founders of Operation Smile International, Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee. Through the serendipitous meeting, Mariquita sponsored Operation Smile Cebu for 5 years. The rest, she says, is history.
Last year, Mariquita was named among The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World, receiving the prestigious award during the 16th Annual Filipina Global Leadership Summit in Paris, France. According to its website, the award “honors Filipina Women who are changing the face of power in their local communities and in their adopted countries they now call home and recognizes those who have reached status for outstanding work in their respective fields and who are recognized for their leadership and achievements in the global workplace and their local communities.” She was nominated by Governor Gwen Garcia of Cebu, a recipient of the same honor the year before. For being true to the mission of MSYCFI she was given the honor, along with other influential Filipino women who like her, excelled in their various institutions. Each nominee went through a rigorous vetting process by the Selection Committee composed of previous global awardees and was selected based on the size and scope of their positions, influence in their industries and their communities, board affiliations, and other leadership roles.
The experience was nothing short of rewarding. Mariquita humbly says, “It was a great honor to meet many empowered and most influential Filipina women, business owners, and professionals from around the globe in different sectors. It was overwhelming to hear their testimonials, great stories, inspiring experiences and insights on how they became successful, how they turned their success into significance and these stories, I treasure to share to the children of our foundation, to share with them what it means to be relevant to society, because nothing is impossible if they aim the same.” Other private advocacies include helping and supporting churches. Nine years ago, Mariquita along with nine other Cebuanas was conferred the title Dame of the Order of St. Sylvester. It is one of the five Papal Awards of Chivalry conferred by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma with Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
When not working at her charitable institutions, Mariquita dotes on her family. Having retired after son Martin took the reins of their successful business, she is currently enjoying the privilege of being a grandmother of five, gamely sharing that one more is coming soon. Her days so far have been relaxing, ensuring quality time with family when at home. “How’s my day like? I start my day as early as 5am. My husband and I, we wait for our grandchildren to come to our room until they leave for school by 6:30am. Then, we go to our daily routine at the villa gym—the 2-hour-moment with Carlos at the gym means a lot to me and our well-being. Right after, I find joy being in my garden. My passion for gardening, that, I took from my mother,” she shares happily.
Having followed the footsteps of her great father, Mariquita constantly shares her precious nuggets of wisdom. She cites the many lessons she has learned and continues to live by—to always look after your family and to put them first no matter what, to be kind to others always regardless of race or status, and to live with humility each day. Consistent with the words her father gave her, she urges everyone, “Don’t hesitate. Listen to your heart, go for it—and help people!” For her, a meaningful life is a well-lived existence full of love and gratefulness. She explains, “It is a life without hate. And most of all it’s the act of sharing and giving back that fulfills your heart.” Counting her blessings, the celebrated philanthropist says the aside from the husband who has made all her dreams come true, her children—Martin, Carla, and Jewelle—makes her feel fulfilled in many ways. Mindful of how her father’s teachings have now become hers, she says, beaming with pride, “From one generation to the next, my children continue the legacy of my father—charity.” ▪