April 11 at 9:18 AM ·
PRESS RELEASE |
On Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Catholic Church in the Philippines will mark Alay Kapwa Sunday—also celebrating 50 years of service. For half a century, Alay Kapwa has exemplified solidarity and hope by reaching out to our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. More than a fundraising campaign, it is a call to live out the Gospel through concrete acts of compassion and responsibility.
Under the theme “Kapwa Ko, Pananagutan Ko: Limampung Taon ng Pag-asa,” the initiative delivers hope across Filipino communities through its seven legacy programs: Education, Livelihood, Capacity Building, Health and Nutrition, Ecology, Humanitarian Response and Rehabilitation, Justice, Peace, and Good Governance. Over the years, millions of lives have been transformed—families have been rebuilt after disasters, communities empowered through sustainable livelihoods, and children provided with essential rights and education.
During this Alay Kapwa Sunday, every parish across the country will host a second collection. The funds will support Caritas Philippines’ continuing mission, with 20% allocated as a Standby Fund for emergencies and disasters, 48% designated for local diocesan social programs, and 32% directed to aid dioceses impacted by calamities. This funding helps ensures both immediate relief and a long-term impact.
As part of its 50th-year celebration, Alay Kapwa will also launch “Pilgrimage of Hope” in selected dioceses. Additionally, booths will be set up in parishes and key diocesan centers, inviting individuals to join as Alay Kapwa Partners and contribute to the Expanded Fund Campaign. This effort is aimed at building a more sustainable fund to enable quicker, more effective responses to emergencies and support long-term community initiatives.
Let this Palm Sunday be a moment of transformation, not merely tradition. We invite all Filipinos to answer the call: “Kapwa Ko, Pananagutan Ko” — for our shared humanity is a shared responsibility.