Thanks for Supporting our Appeal to Relieve Hunger and Hardship during Ramadan

IN OBSERVANCE OF RAMADHAN, BANGSAMORO FAMILIES WELCOMED IFTAR MEALS AND FOOD PACKS

In observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, more than five hundred Iftar meals and close to four hundred food packets were delivered to disadvantaged Bangsamoro families and fasting individuals in Zamboanga City and Basilan province, March 28 to April 8, 2023. Each household received a food pack containing rice, sugar, sliced bread, native coffee, noodles, peanut butter, egg, soy sauce, ketchup, salt and oil. An Iftar meal consisted of rice, chicken, pancit/noodles, banana, and a bottle of water.

“This food packet will help us a lot during this holy month, because until now we do not have stable income to sustain our daily needs” speaking in native Tausog-dialect from one of the fire victims in Bamboo Village, Kasanyanga, Zamboanga City.

Muslim Mindanao has suffered decades of neglect and poverty due to violence, natural disasters, and under development. With hopes to bring peace between the government and the largest rebel group, the MILF, 2 million voters approved the creation of a self-governing area called Bangsamoro in a 2019 plebiscite.

The Bangsamoro community of predominantly Muslim-Filipinos remain optimistic despite hardships and challenges. Recently, Maguindanao and Sulu were stricken by a devastating typhoon that claimed lives and costly damages to properties, farm-crops and agricultural products. Fire engulfed hundreds of houses in villages in Zamboanga City and displaced families and individuals. Widespread coconut tree infestation by insects locally known as “cocolisap” caused heavy burden to the locals. In addition, farmers lost incomes due to significant drop in prices of leading crops including rubber and copra. In the outskirt island villages, seaweed farmers experienced low seaweed harvest caused by red-tide and other diseases.

Funding of the program was through the generous response by US-Philippines Society donors including directors and members Henry B. Howard, Graham Thomas, Earl Gast, Mona Lisa Yuchengco of the Philippine International Aid and more. The 2023 Ramadhan initiative was facilitated by Banglapines International Inc. with the efforts of BPInc. Executive Director Adzhar J. Madjid and several youth volunteers.

Below are photographs of volunteers preparing and delivering meals and food packs to beneficiaries who welcomed them with gratitude. Thank you Donors and Members

YOUR GENEROUS DONATION HELPED MANY IN NEED

Volunteers distribute Iftar meals in Zamboanga, south Mindanao, Philippines

Volunteers prepare Iftar meals for 370 individuals

Families receive food packs and meals

Families receive food packs and meals

Families receive food packs and meals