Caritas Philippines has kicked off a series of initiatives in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its flagship program Alay Kapwa.
Launched in 1975, Alay Kapwa, which translates to “offering of one’s self to one’s neighbor,” is a Lenten evangelization and resource mobilization program, aimed at uplifting the lives of marginalized communities across the Philippines.
In celebration of the program’s anniversary, Alay Kapwa is “expanding our efforts to create an even greater impact through a series of meaningful initiatives,” according to a press statement.
The initiatives began on April 13 with “Pilgrimage of Hope,” a nationwide event that “brought together parish communities from dioceses and archdioceses across the Philippines in a collective act of faith and solidarity.”
Other upcoming activities include fundraisers like the Alay Kapwa Expanded Fund Campaign, aimed at uniting one million “Joyful Givers” this 2025, coinciding with the celebration of the Jubilee year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
They also include My Share OTG and Pagdiriwang ng Pag-Asa: The Concert.
Alay Kapwa champions seven legacy programs that aim to uplift the lives of the poorest families by improving their health through feeding and livelihood initiatives; promoting climate justice; delivering emergency relief to calamity-affected communities; providing legal education and assistance; offering education and training for out-of-school youth; supporting academically challenged students with tutorials and monthly allowances; and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities while promoting food security.
Caritas Philippines is the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.