Church Joins Faith Groups in Iftar Gift-Giving in Metro Manila

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints collaborated with various faith-based organizations to continue the annual Ramadan Gift-Giving initiative, distributing halal-certified food packs to Muslim communities on March 23, 2025.

As part of the outreach, the Church, represented by the Manila Philippines Stake Presidency, distributed 600 loaves of bread to the community near the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila, and provided another 500 sets of five-kilogram rice bags and canned goods to families in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City.

These donations supported more than 1,100 Muslim families in observing their iftar meals. The project is a joint effort between the Church, Uniharmony Partners Manila, Religions for Peace, the Imam Council of the Philippines, the Pacific Dialogue Foundation, the Quiapo Church, and other like-minded organizations.

President Stephen Casio, president of the Manila Philippines Stake (diocese) of the Church, shared his thoughts on the experience: “Since sharing is an act of faith, it is Christlike to remember that charity knows no boundaries. By sharing during iftar with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Quiapo, we experienced the spirit of unity, compassion, and service.”

President Casio and his counselors joined the gift-giving in Quiapo for the first time, standing alongside leaders of different faiths in a shared mission of compassion and service. The Iftar gift-giving event has been a longstanding tradition within the interfaith community in Metro Manila for many years.

“The food packs that were given are not just a physical gift, but also a symbol of unity and support. These donations come from all members of the Church, who fast and contribute their fast offerings to ensure that those in need are cared for. It is a tangible expression of our desire to follow Christ's example of loving our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of our religious beliefs,” said Howard Abquina, Associate Director for Public Affairs of the Church in the Philippines.

Abquina and other employees of the Philippines Area represented the Church in distributing the halal food packs to the Muslim community at Culiat High School.

Every year, the Church undertakes numerous humanitarian initiatives across the Philippines, both within and outside its faith community. The donation of halal-certified food packs during Ramadan is one of these regular projects that the Church does to help build communities in the country.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed as a sacred time of prayer, fasting, and service. Ramadan encourages Muslims worldwide to engage in acts of charity and compassion.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during this period, breaking their fast with a pre-dawn meal (sehri) and an evening meal (iftar). Muslims believe that the month-long observance is a time for reflection, self-discipline, and devotion, commemorating the moment when the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran.

The Church’s participation in interfaith service aligns with its teachings on love and charity. The First Presidency, the highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has taught: “As we continue to care for God’s children, we can help them feel His divine love. Heavenly Father loves each of His children and recognizes the good work they do. We invite you to continue serving and loving those around you.”

Through continued collaboration with interfaith partners, the Church in the Philippines strives to strengthen Filipino communities by offering both spiritual and practical support. By encouraging everyone to work together, serve each other, and show the example of how to work closely together despite differences in beliefs and religious traditions, people of different faiths will be able to demonstrate universal values of love, unity, and compassion with each other.