Faith Communities Come Together for Ramadan Outreach in Manila

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined interfaith partners in a Ramadan outreach activity held on March 17, 2026, at the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center, strengthening relationships and promoting unity through service.

The activity, part of Duyog Ramadan 2026 / 1447 Hijriah, was organized in collaboration with Uniharmony Partners Manila and brought together several faith-based and civic organizations, including Pacific Dialogue Foundation, Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, Manila Church People Ecumenical Fellowship, and Focolare Movement Philippines.

As part of the outreach, the Church donated bread for Muslim brothers and sisters gathered at the mosque, the largest place of worship for the Muslim community in Metro Manila. The simple act of giving reflected shared values among different faith traditions, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan.

Shared Values of Faith and Service

During the program, Fr. Jade Licuanan of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno welcomed participants and emphasized the spiritual meaning behind acts of sacrifice.

“Nagsasakripisyo tayo at nagdarasal, para magbunga ito ng magandang kawang-gawa,” he said. (We sacrifice and pray so that they may bring forth good works.)

Representing the Church, Brother Roel Dayrit, a member of the Manila Philippines Stake High Council, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the gathering.

“Kami sa The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ay nag-aayuno rin upang makatulong sa iba,” he said. “Masaya po kami na naging bahagi ng inyong pagtitipon.”
(We also fast so that we can help others. We are grateful to be part of this gathering.)

Expressions of Gratitude

Representatives from partner organizations expressed appreciation for the spirit of unity and generosity demonstrated during the activity.

Noronisah Ismael of the Office of Muslim Affairs shared her gratitude to the participating groups:

“We are grateful, very grateful for these, during Ramadan, Duyog Ramadan. To our partners, UniHarmony, ICAD, thank you for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To all of you. Thank you, thank you so much.”

Strengthening Interfaith Understanding

Muhammad Erzad Malli, Al-Hajj Administrator of the mosque, expressed gratitude to the participating organizations and highlighted the importance of giving during Ramadan.

“Isa pong advocacy ng Ramadan ang pagbibigay,” he said. “Isa ito sa mga utos ng Panginoon—ang magbahagi sa kapwa. Sinasabi ng mga propeta, ‘you give before you receive.’” (Giving is one of the advocacies of Ramadan. It is one of the commandments of God; to share with others. The prophets say, ‘you give before you receive’.)

He noted that outreach efforts such as this reflect the deeper purpose of Ramadan, which includes caring for others and strengthening community bonds.

Building Bridges Through Faith

The gathering served as a meaningful reminder that despite differences in belief, communities can come together in shared principles of faith, compassion, service, and devotion to God.

Through participation in interfaith initiatives such as Duyog Ramadan, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continue to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, fostering respect and unity among diverse religious communities.

For Latter-day Saints, caring for others and working alongside people of different faiths are central expressions of discipleship and a reflection of the Savior’s example to love and serve all.