“Leading Beyond Self, Loving Without Limits”
VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — The 43rd Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awards (STCA) was held on September 29, 2026, honoring Jane Walker for a life devoted to service, compassion, and empowering Filipino communities.
Organized by JCI Manila in partnership with Ayala Foundation, the 43rd STCA carried the theme “Leading Beyond Self, Loving Without Limits,” a message that closely reflects Walker’s journey and her continuing commitment to serving others.
What makes Walker’s story particularly inspiring is that although she was born outside the Philippines, she chose to make the Philippines a place of service. Rather than simply building a life for herself, she devoted her time, resources, and efforts to helping Filipino communities, including families and individuals in Tondo and other areas across the Philippines.
Her work demonstrates that service knows no nationality. It is a choice rooted in compassion, responsibility, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Through her advocacy and the work of Upskills Foundation, Walker has focused on creating opportunities for Filipinos, particularly by helping individuals develop skills and capabilities that can lead to better opportunities and more sustainable futures.
Her involvement in communities such as Tondo reflects a commitment to reaching people where the need is greatest. Beyond providing immediate assistance, her work seeks to empower individuals by giving them opportunities to learn, develop, and build better lives for themselves and their families.
The recognition of Walker therefore goes beyond celebrating one individual. It also brings attention to the continuing work of Upskills Foundation Inc., and the communities it seeks to empower.
The 43rd Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awards brought together representatives from the civic, business, social development, government, and media sectors to celebrate a life of service and to recognize the impact that one person can make when leadership is placed at the service of others.
For more than four decades, the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awards has recognized Filipinos and individuals whose lives exemplify compassion, selflessness, and commitment to uplifting others. The award serves as a reminder that meaningful leadership is not defined by position, wealth, or nationality, but by the willingness to serve.
Jane Walker’s story embodies this message. She may have come from another country, but she chose to serve the Filipino people. She chose to stand alongside communities, including those in Tondo and other parts of the country, and dedicate her efforts toward creating opportunities and improving lives.
As the 43rd STCA honored Walker, it also celebrated the continuing work of Upskills Foundation and the people whose lives have been touched by its advocacy.
The evening ultimately reflected the enduring message of Saint Teresa of Calcutta: that greatness can be found in service, that compassion can cross borders, and that leadership becomes truly meaningful when it is used to uplift others.
Leading Beyond Self, Loving Without Limits.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
 was held on September 29, 2026, honoring Jane Walker for a life devoted to service, compassion, and empowering Filipino communities.){kind=link}