Together at the Manger: Unity at the Foot of Christ

As we celebrate Christmas this year, we return to the humble manger in Bethlehem—a place where heaven touched earth and where people from different walks of life gathered in worship. Together at the Manger: Unity at the Foot of Christ reminds us that, in Christ, we find our shared purpose, our peace, and our reason to serve. May this season renew our gratitude, strengthen our unity, and deepen our love for the children and families we minister to.

A Christmas Reflection: Unity Born in a Manger
The manger is a powerful picture of God’s heart—simple, welcoming, open to all. Shepherds, wise men, and a young couple stood side by side, equal in the presence of Jesus. Today, we are invited to come with the same humility and togetherness. In this unity, Mission Ministries Philippines continues its mission to strengthen families, empower communities, and nurture young minds through early childhood education.

2025 Year-in-Review: The Lord Has Done Great Things
Highlights of God’s Faithfulness

• Successful Kidprener Camp in Negros Occidental held with Racham Wilbeth Learning Center
• Expansion of the Remedial Reading Program in response to the nation’s literacy challenges.
• Strengthened partnerships with churches, schools, and LGUs for greater community impact.
• Ongoing advocacy for developmentally appropriate practices in ECE.
• Support for teachers, parents, and volunteers through trainings, orientations, and coaching sessions.
As we look back, we stand amazed by God’s provision, protection, and guidance.

Looking Ahead: Vision for School Year 2026–2027
The coming year holds exciting possibilities:
• Formal partnership with more churches implementing MMP’s Remedial Reading Program.
• Enhancement of our curriculum and training modules to respond to the needs of Filipino children.
• Strengthening scholarship pathways and community-based learning.
• Broader reach for cultural and heritage-based preschool programs.
Together, we step forward in faith, believing that God will continue to open doors.

Special Feature: Stories of Unity and Hope

  1. A Classroom Transformed
    Teachers share how the reading curriculum empowered struggling learners to read confidently in just weeks.
  2. Parents Journeying Together
    Parents testify how MMP programs helped them guide their children with love, patience, and biblical values.
  3. Churches Partnering for Change
    Church communities united to support children’s ministries, showing that when believers come together at Christ’s feet, transformation spreads.

Christmas Message for Our Partners
To our beloved teachers, pastors, parents, board members, fiends and supporters—thank you for standing with us. Your service, generosity, and prayers allow MMP to bring Christ’s love to so many children. This Christmas, may your homes be filled with joy, your hearts with peace, and your lives with renewed hope.

A Call to Christmas Generosity
This Christmas, we invite you to share a simple gift of love for our MMP children and teachers. Your generosity will brighten their season and remind them of Christ’s love.

Thank you for giving joy this Christmas.

Our Prayer….

Lord Jesus, the Light of the world, thank You for gathering us at the foot of Your manger—where love, hope, and unity begin. Bless every family, teacher, child, and partner connected with MMP. May Your peace reign in our hearts and Your purpose guide our steps as we serve in Your name. Amen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM YOUR MMP FAMILY!!!

Dr. Corrie De Boer
Chona, Aida, Ronald & Joshua
“Together at the Manger: Unity at the Foot of Christ.”

October Highlights: Formed in Christ, Strengthened for Service

October was a month full of inspiration, learning, and strategic planning—deepening faith, strengthening skills, and expanding partnerships to transform communities for God’s glory.

Theo Forum – October 7–8
The entire MMP staff attended the Theological Forum themed “Until Christ is Formed in You.” The topic was deeply meaningful, emphasizing the importance of spiritual formation in ministry. MMP’s Director also served as a moderator, facilitating two sessions while engaging in discussions with other participants.

Seminar on Developmental Delays – October 8
MMP held a seminar titled “Identifying and Supporting Developmental Delays in Young Children: Recognizing Early Signs and Providing Strategies for Support and Intervention.” Over 90 participants gained practical knowledge to identify and respond to children’s developmental needs early on.

GEPCON Partnership with De La Salle University – October 22
Throughout October, MMP strengthened collaboration with De La Salle University under the GEPCON program. Five classes were assigned to four MMP partner areas to carry out their projects. Two classes conducted Zoom interviews with MMP schools, engaging administrators, parents, alumni, and students to study the ministry’s impact. Other groups produced digital magazines, infographics, and posters showcasing MMP’s advocacy for quality early childhood education.

Doctoral Class Facilitation – October 23
MMP’s Executive Director facilitated a doctoral class at Harvester Seminary for the Doctor in Transformational Leadership program. Under Professor Dr. Paul Rollet, a member of MMP’s International Board, the topic “Global Collaborative Leadership” offered enriching insights on effective leadership across diverse contexts.

Nutrition Forum – October 23
One MMP staff attended the forum Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023–2028: Accelerating Nutrition Gains through Multi-Sectoral Collaboration to learn about government programs and explore partnership opportunities to support children’s health and well-being.

AMG School Partnership – October 29
An online contract signing was held with Alay Pag-ibig Development Center in Silang, Cavite—an AMG (Ang Mananampalatayang Gumagawa) school—officially partnering with MMP through their learning center.

Preparations for Remedial Reading Program – October 30
MMP began preparations for a proposed partnership with I Syoot Multimedia Production Company, the group behind the G-Diaries video of MMP. A Zoom meeting was held, to be followed by a face-to-face discussion on November 18 at 2 PM, exploring a Remedial Reading Program in response to the PISA results showing lower reading levels among Filipino children. In the week prior, selected MMP teachers were interviewed by MMP’s Director so their classroom experiences could inform the proposal. The following day, a face-to-face meeting was held at Good News Learning Center in Marikina City with senior MMP supervisors to brainstorm and conceptualize program details. The team prays that the Lord will bring this project to fruition, opening doors for MMP to contribute meaningfully to the reading needs of Filipino children—your prayers are truly covenanted for this endeavor!

Finally………Be a Catalyst for Change
October reminds us that growth and service are not meant to stop with us. Let us step boldly to meet the needs around us—investing our time, talents, and prayers to transform the lives of children, families, and communities. Even small acts, guided by faith, can make a lasting impact. The question remains: how will you be a catalyst for change today?

Reviving the Flame of Learning: MMP Returns to the Classrooms”

Busy Brain Tutorial Center

The pandemic season significantly affected MMP’s personal connection with its partners. With face-to-face interactions restricted, all trainings were shifted online via Zoom. While this ensured program continuity, it also created barriers to building camaraderie and conducting on-site coaching—particularly for partners in provincial areas.

Recognizing the lasting value of in-person engagement, MMP remains committed to school visits and direct coaching. On September 11, 2025, Teacher Chona visited one of MMP’s partner schools in Tanauan, Batangas City—the Busy Brains Tutorial Center. Serving primarily children with special needs, this school made the visit especially meaningful and impactful.

Great Heights Learning Center of Ilocos Sur

From a humble beginning in a rented space serving only 30 children in year 2010, the Lord has truly expanded the borders of Great Heights Learning Center in Ilocos Sur. After 12 years, God entrusted the school with a 4,000-square-meter lot, and it now serves 300 students, ranging from Preschool to Senior High School.

On September 25–27, 2025, MMP visited the school to conduct teacher training and coaching, as well as to facilitate a seminar entitled “Engaging Parents Effectively.” As part of the visit, a meeting was also held with the school owner, Ma’am Floremin Reolalas, and the Principal, Sir Wilberto Tabutol, to further strengthen the partnership by exploring the offering of BS Early Childhood Education and Special Education.

Truly, this school is living up to its name—Great Heights Learning Center. As the Scripture says in Habakkuk 3:19, “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights.”

Jairah Tutorial Center

Jairah Learning Center, founded by Teacher Janneth, first partnered with MMP years ago but paused operations for over five years due to life’s challenges. In 2024, she reopened the center in Sto. Domingo Market, Vigan City, focusing on MMP’s Remedial Reading Program under Non-Formal Early Childhood Education. Though small in scale, her work reflects faithfulness and perseverance—proving that great things begin with small, faithful steps.

August Highlights and Upcoming Events

Preparations are in full swing for the Summer 2026 Teachers’ Camp in Boracay, with MMP teacher officers and supervisors holding regular meetings to finalize the details. The camp is scheduled on April 6-9, 2026—an event we are eagerly anticipating!


For professional development, MMP recently held its first Refresher Course for SY 2025–2026, titled “Mindfulness and Self-Regulation Techniques for Preschoolers”, facilitated by Prof. Claribel Amihan via Zoom. The next course will be “Identifying and Supporting Developmental Delays in Young Children” with Teacher Elizabeth Anne King-Santos.


In the area of church ministry, MMP facilitated the seminar “Rekindle, Revisit, Revitalize Your Sunday School” at God’s Children Learning Center, General Trias, Cavite on August 30, 2026, after several postponements due to weather.


Finally….exciting news! MMP, in partnership with Asian Theological Seminary, is now accepting participants for the 13th Batch of the Certificate Course in Early Childhood Education. Don’t miss this opportunity—check out the schedule below and join us!

Training Certificate Course in Early Childhood Care and Education
School Year 2025-2026

ModuleSchedule
A. Biblical Foundation
Bible Intro Jan. 10 & 17, 2026
Spiritual FormationFeb. 7 & 14, 2026
Holistic & Transformational Ministry March 21 & 28, 2026
B. Foundational ECE Courses
Child & DevelopmentMay 23 & 30, 2026
AssessmentJune 20 & 27, 2026
Philosophical Foundation of ECEJuly 18 & 25, 2026
CurriculumAugust 22 & 29, 2026
B1. Teacher’s Track
Developmental ReadingSept. 19 & 26, 2026
Classroom ManagementOct. 17 & 24, 2026
Practicum 1Nov. 7 & 28, 2026
B2. Admin Track
Operation & MngtJan. 16 & 30, 2027
Strategic PlanningFeb. 13 & 20, 2027
Practicum 2July 3 & 31, 2027

Buwan ng Wika

Buwan ng Wika is celebrated every August in Philippine schools to honor the national language, Filipino, and the country’s rich cultural heritage, as mandated by Proclamation No. 1041 (1997). Schools mark the occasion with poetry, dances, songs, plays, and other cultural activities. Selected MMP schools—Amazing Love Learning Center, Happyland Christian Learning Center, Joyland Playschool & Child Care Cente, Kinder Bright Montessori School, Maddela Baptist Christian School and Racham Wilbeth School Inc. (Negros Occidental)—also joined in celebrating this meaningful event.

Prestigious Organizations Partner with MMP through Early Childhood Publications

Mission Ministries Philippines (MMP) continues to make its mark in Early Childhood Education through strategic partnerships with some of the country’s most respected institutions. Four prestigious organizations—Angat Buhay, UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies–Education Research Program (UP CIDS-ERP), UP College of Education, and UP Integrated School—have chosen to use MMP’s publications in their programs.

Their adoption of MMP’s books serves as strong proof of the quality, credibility, and developmental relevance of these materials. By integrating MMP’s resources into their curriculum and teacher training, these institutions affirm the trust that prominent leaders in Early Childhood Education place in MMP’s work. Together, these collaborations establish MMP’s publications as benchmarks for quality in Early Childhood Education in the Philippines.

For MMP Partners – aren’t we humbly proud for this affirmation from the Lord?

CRASH COURSE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

For the first time in over a decade, MMP took again a bold step of combining ECE Level 1 and Level 2 into a single Crash Course Seminar—a unique training opportunity that brought together both MMP teachers and administrators in one learning space.


Held via Zoom on April 24–26, 2025, the seminar was filled with joyful engagement as participants explored key topics such as Developmentally Appropriate Philosophy in Early Childhood Education, Building Literacy and Numeracy Skills (Practical Techniques in Early Reading and Math), Integrating Biblical Values and Perspective in the Classroom Daily Routines, Becoming a Steward Leader in Early Childhood Program. It was truly a rich and meaningful learning journey for everyone involved.
What a milestone in professional growth and collaboration!

MOVING UP CEREMONIES IN DIFFERENT MMP PARTNER SCHOOLS:

March to April marked a meaningful season of Moving-Up Ceremonies, a time of celebration and new beginnings. MMP Director, Teacher Chona, had the joy and honor of attending several of these events as the invited guest speaker.

A common theme echoed across these ceremonies was inspired by the Department of Education’s official slogan: “Generation of Unity: Partners for the New Philippines.”

In her message, Teacher Chona emphasized that the foundation for a better Philippines begins with raising a new generation of Filipinos—an effort deeply rooted in the work of Early Childhood Education. Quoting the familiar saying, “It’s hard to teach old dogs new tricks,” she highlighted the vital importance of shaping young minds early in life.

To all our dedicated preschool teachers: we carry a significant mission. Let us continue to nurture the next generation of Filipinos with purpose, unity, and hope!

Certificate Course in Early Childhood Education Graduation Day

Finally, the much-awaited Graduation Day of our Certificate Course in Early Childhood Education has arrived! After two (2) years of dedication and hard work, ten (10) students joyfully reaped the fruits of their labor.

This momentous event, held in partnership with Asian Theological Seminary, took place on February 1, 2025 and marked a significant milestone in their journey as educators.

MMP is truly humbled and honored to have equipped and trained this new generation of transformational preschool teachers.

Parenting Seminars

MMP partner schools continue to affirm the vital role parents play in achieving our shared goal: the holistic development of every child. One of the most impactful ways to strengthen home-school collaboration is through Parenting Seminars.

On February 22, 2025, another meaningful seminar was held, facilitated by none other than MMP Director, Teacher Chona. With passion, creativity, and a heart for families, she led the session using interactive methods such as play-based learning, case studies, and hands-on workshops. The event took place at Holy Castle Learning Center, one of MMP’s long-standing partner schools since the early 1990s.

The seminar served as a beautiful reminder to parents of their God-given responsibility to train up their children. At the same time, by enrolling their children in MMP partner schools, they are entrusting part of that responsibility to educators—a humbling yet honorable calling for every teacher and staff member.

Dear Parents, it is truly a joy and privilege to partner with you in shaping the future of your children!