Radio Programas del Peru, the largest radio network in the country, has
chosen two priests to receive its annual award for their work in
“inspiring the country.”
Father Jose Chuquillanqui Yamamoto and Father Jose Ignacio Mantecon
were chosen for the honor for their initiatives with the poor and
underprivileged in the capital city of Lima.
Through sports and educational programs, Fr. Mantecon has helped more
than 400 young people escape from a life in gangs and has helped
rehabilitate them into Peruvian society.
Fr. Chuquillanqui’s programs aimed at helping those trapped in poverty
have given hope to hundreds over the past sixteen years.
In 1999 he
began a formation program for young people that has helped more than
five hundred boys and girls to get an education and learn trade skills.