Ramadan Iftar Programme

Poverty, food insecurity, and livelihood insecurity continue to affect many communities across the Philippines, particularly in parts of Mindanao and the Bangsamoro region, where displacement, disasters, and economic pressures can further compound household vulnerability. Ramadan holds particular religious and social significance for Muslim communities. Beyond its nutritional function, Iftar provides an important occasion for sharing food, mutual support, solidarity, and strengthening community bonds. This support is especially meaningful for individuals and families already facing economic hardship, displacement, or other forms of vulnerability, making access to an appropriate and timely Iftar meal a seasonal intervention with both humanitarian and social value.

PHILCARE implements the Ramadan Iftar Programme as a form of seasonal food assistance by providing prepared Iftar meals to fasting individuals in participating communities and locations, with priority given to people experiencing greater need and vulnerability where appropriate. Depending on the needs and context of each implementation cycle, the programme may serve affected and displaced families, students, orphans, and other members of the community. The programme is implemented in coordination with volunteers, community leaders, educational and community institutions, and other participating local actors at implementation sites. This locally coordinated approach enables PHILCARE to organize meal preparation and timely distribution at Iftar, reach diverse communities, and adapt implementation to the local context, needs, and available resources of each programme cycle.

The Ramadan Iftar Programme provides direct seasonal food assistance by making appropriate and timely Iftar meals available to participating individuals and communities, helping to meet an immediate food need during Ramadan, particularly for people experiencing greater vulnerability. Iftar activities also create opportunities for sharing food, mutual support, and community participation in a manner that respects the dignity of those served. Since its first implementation in 2018, the programme has evolved from localized interventions that included communities and displaced families affected by the Marawi crisis into a programme implemented across diverse locations and communities in subsequent cycles. Repeated implementation has also strengthened PHILCARE’s experience in local coordination, volunteer mobilization, multi-site distribution, and collaboration with local institutions and communities in delivering seasonal humanitarian assistance.

1. March 2026

   PHILCARE continued its Ramadan Iftar Programme in 2026 through a targeted intervention serving 300 students and orphans in Bacolod, Saguiaran, and Marawi City. The activity provided prepared Iftar meals as seasonal assistance during Ramadan, with implementation coordinated at the local level.

2. March 2025

   PHILCARE’s 2025 Ramadan Iftar Programme reached 9,280 individuals through multi-location seasonal implementation. Activities served diverse groups, including students, orphans, internally displaced persons, village residents, mosque congregations, and other community members, while strengthening volunteer participation and local coordination across implementation sites.

3. April 2024

   PHILCARE continued the Ramadan Iftar Programme in 2024 through multi-site implementation across Mindanao and Baguio City, reaching 8,500 people. The programme worked through local institutions, community leaders, students, and volunteers, supporting coordinated meal preparation and distribution across participating locations.

4. April 2023

   PHILCARE expanded its Ramadan Iftar activities in 2023 into a multi-location programme reaching 9,000 individuals across different parts of the Philippines. Implementation included community and institutional settings and served diverse groups, including displaced families, students, mosque congregations, and local communities, supported by local coordination and volunteer participation.

5. June 2018

   PHILCARE first implemented its Ramadan Iftar Programme in 2018 through a series of activities across Marawi City, Balindong in Lanao del Sur, and Iligan City, reaching a total of 1,400 beneficiaries. Community-based Iftar activities were conducted at Markazosshabab in Cadayonan, Balindong; the MTC Building, Ibn Siena Campus in Biaba-Damag, Marawi City; and a mosque in Tambacan, Iligan City. A significant part of the response supported families displaced by the Marawi crisis. PHILCARE provided packed Iftar meals to 300 beneficiaries at IDP Camp Tent I and another 300 beneficiaries at IDP Camp Tent II in Sarmainok, Marawi City. The programme combined community-based Ramadan assistance with targeted support for internally displaced families continuing to face humanitarian needs in the post-Marawi crisis period.