In August 2014, during the Muslim holy day of Eid Ul Fitr, the Zakat Foundation of America has partnered again with the Bayanihan Foundation and made it possible to distribute hundreds of food packages and providing much-needed food relief to over 1,000 men, women and children during the holy month of Ramadan. The Zakat Foundation of America, is an international charity organization that helps generous and caring people and reaching out to those in need. In 2014, the Bayanihan Foundation is honored to partner with the members of the Rotary Club of Iligan East who donated their time and helped put together and distributed the food packages. Filipino Christians giving packages to needy Filipino Muslims created the unintended effect of goodwill, friendship and the slow earning of trust among Filipinos of different faiths and is slowly moving island of Mindanao, Philippines closer to peace.
Bayanihan Foundation partners with the Zakat Foundation and the Rotary Club Iligan East to distribute food packages to need Filipino Muslim families in Iligan, Philippines during Eid Ul Fitr
Members of Rotary Club Iligan East distributing food packages for needy Filipino Muslims
My uncle Vic Saavedra, my aunt Luz Saavedra, the local Imam Saidali Gandamra, Boy San Luis of Rotary Iligan East and many other Rotarians and local community members volunteered to make it possible the distribution of food packages possible for Filipino Muslim families and children.
Rotary member Boy San Luis of Rotary Iligan East helped spearhead the volunteer efforts
Dr. Vicente Saavedra helped supervise the distribution of goods
Member from the Rotary Club of Iligan East distributing food packages
I wanted to share more pictures of the successful food distribution during the holy day celebration of Eid Ul Fitr.
Young boy receiving food package for his family
Young girl, shy but excited to receive her food package for her family
The generous financial contribution of the Zakat Foundation created the unintended effect of goodwill, friendship and the slow earning of trust among Filipinos of different faiths. I agree that these food packages will not solve the deep divide between Christians and Muslims in the island of Mindanao nor heal the deep wounds that are hindering long-lasting peace in the island. However, I am glad that these food packages are a small step to healing and that Filipino Christians giving packages to needy Filipino Muslims is moving us closer to peace.