IR Philippines distributes Ramadan food packs to rightsholders in Old Kaabakan, GenSan
In celebration of Ramadan, Islamic Relief Philippines (IRPH) has extended support to a total of 2,020 rightsholders in Old Kaabakan, Special Geographic Area (SGA), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and General Santos City through the distribution of food packs
Through the support of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), 1,215 rightsholders in Barangays Simone, Simbuhay, Tamped, and Nangaan, in the Municipality of Old Kaabakan received 50 kilos of rice, two kilos of brown sugar, one kilo native coffee, two litters cooking oil, six cans of halal corned beef, two kilos rice noodles, two kilos mung beans, and two kilos all-purpose flour during the Ramadan Food Pack Distribution, 25 February
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Kabacan Department of Development Communication faculty and students also volunteered during the distribution activities.
About 207 rightsholders from Barangays Buluan and Sanggadong also received food packs during the Zakat ul Fitr distribution, 29 March 2025.
Through the support of Maybank Malaysia, IRPH also distributed food packs to 600 rightsholders in Barangay Labangal, General Santos City on 22 February which includes 25 kilos of rice, two kilos of brown sugar, one kilo native coffee, two litters cooking oil, six cans of halal corned beef, two kilos rice noodles, two kilos mung beans, and two kilos all-purpose flour. #
1,000 rightsholders in Pahamuddin receive Php 10,000 to start new livelihoods
With support from Islamic Relief USA, 1,000 rightsholders are receiving ₱10,000 each in Pahamuddin, Special Geographic Area (SGA), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) each through the Scaling-up Extreme Poverty Graduation and Climate Change Resilience in Disaster-Vulnerable Communities in Asia (Scaling-up Graduation and Resilience in Asia) Project.
Beyond financial aid, this initiative promotes collaboration and empowerment The rightsholders, organized into 50 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), have created business plans, established savings and small loan systems, and received capacity-building and skills training
These steps equip them with the knowledge and resources needed to build sustainable livelihoods
Through this approach, the project strengthens local economies and promotes self-sufficiency, ensuring that vulnerable communities in BARMM can thrive despite economic and environmental challenges
By providing access to capacity-building and skills training, rightsholders are empowered to make sustainable economic choices that benefit not only their families but also their wider communities.
By strengthening local economies and encouraging self-sufficiency, this project paves the way for longterm resilience, ensuring that vulnerable communities in BARMM can thrive despite economic and environmental challenges #
249 women, 9 SHGs receive additional cash support
Islamic Relief Philippines, through the Enhanced Economic and Social Wellbeing of Vulnerable and Extreme Poor Women Headed Household and Children in Province of Lanao del Sur (ENHANCED) Project supported by Islamic Relief USA, provided additional capital to nine (9) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the Municipality of Sultan Dumalondong to support their livelihoods’ continued growth by further bolstering their burgeoning livelihoods, March 18-19
The incentive distribution includes the receipt of three (3) high-performing SHGs of Php 30,000 each; three (3) moderately performing SHGs of Php 20,000 each; and another three (3) SHGs with moderate performance of Php 10,000 each.
The selection was based on Islamic Relief’s evaluation criteria, assessing financial performance, savings discipline, income-generating activities, participation, commitment, and overall impact on members and the community
Additionally, 249 SHG members each received Php 2,000 as capital support to scale up their individual businesses and invest in income-generating activities to enhance their living standards
The ENHANCED Project aimed to improve the socio-economic condition of communities postarmed conflict through the development and promotion of sustainable livelihood on focused industries, formation of SHGs, improvement of access of vulnerable children to equitable and quality education and protection; and youth engagement in environmental awareness and climate change #
IRPH L-MARSH Project turns over WASH facilities to 11 schools
The Strengthening Livelihood and Climate Resilience for Ligawasan Marsh Communities in Mindanao (L-MARSH) Project supported by Islamic Relief Canada is improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities by installing handwashing facilities schools across General Salipada K. Pendatun (GSKP) and Sultan sa Barongis (SSB), Maguindanao del Sur
Through these WASH facilities, Islamic Relief Philippines is supporting healthier learning environments by enhancing sanitation standards, helping to reduce health risks, and contributing to improved school attendance
The turnover of WASH facilities to 11 schools and renovation of the toilets of select schools from February to March 2025 represents a meaningful step toward promoting sustainable hygiene practices Beyond providing infrastructure, this initiative plays a vital role in educating students and communities about proper sanitation, handwashing, and overall hygiene management
Additionally, the project reinforces the commitment of Parents-Teachers-Community Associations (PTCA) and local stakeholders, ensuring that these initiatives are maintained and sustained for the long term #
Islamic Relief Philippines hands over 23 shelters in Pahamuddin
Thirteen (13) and 10 shelters were handed over to qualified vulnerable rightsholders in Barangays Matilac and Lower Baguer respectively in the Municipality of Pahamuddin, Special Geographic Area (SGA), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 27 February
The second batch of shelter distribution, where each home has a floor area of 25 sq. m., was conducted through the Shelter and WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene) towards an Inclusive, Empowering, and Dignified Society (SHIELDS) Project funded by Islamic Relief United Kingdom (UK) and implemented by Islamic Relief Philippines
There were also seven (7) pilot shelters handed over handed over during the first batch of shelter handovers on 07 December 2024
One of the aims of the project is to enhance the living conditions of 1,000 individuals for increased protection, privacy, and self-esteem regardless of age, gender, and diversity
Through a needs assessment, results revealed that extreme poor families in SGA are living in makeshift houses vulnerable to flooding, typhoons, and fires.
It was also found out that an average of three families live under one roof per household, resulting in a lack of privacy and dignity and exposing them to protection issues such as abuse and exploitation
“This Project is not just about the houses but building the security and dignity of the people. We are building their heart, confidence, and security within themselves,” said Islamic Relief Philippines Country Director Kunhali Muttaje #
IR Philippines promotes WASH in Pahamuddin
In Pahamuddin, Special Geographic Area (SGA) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Islamic Relief Philippines is actively promoting hygiene awareness and sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives to improve the well-being of vulnerable families
Among the eight (8) barangays benefiting from these efforts is Barangay Libungan, where participants, including Self-Help Groups (SHGs), are actively engaged in hygiene promotion activities
This initiative is part of the activities of the Scaling-up Extreme Poverty Graduation and Climate Change Resilience in Disaster Vulnerable Communities in Asia (Scaling up Poverty Graduation Model in Asia) Project supported by Islamic Relief USA, which aims to strengthen community resilience against disasters and climate change
To ensure the long-term success of these efforts, the next step will be the creation of a WASH Committee composed of local leaders and community members from the formed through SHGs This committee will take the lead in promoting proper hygiene and sanitation practices within their communities, empowering them to take ownership of their health and environment #
Empowering Women: Saima’s Journey to Financial Independence
As we celebrate Women’s Month this March, we recognize the resilience and determination of women striving for independence and a better future Through the Enhanced Economic and Social Wellbeing of Vulnerable and Extreme Poor WomenHeaded Households and Children in Lanao del Sur (ENHANCED) Project, we met Saima, a young mother who is proving that women can achieve anything with confidence and the right support
At 22 years old, Saima is a mother of two Despite the challenges of raising a family, she remains determined to provide for their daily needs
Recognizing her potential, the ENHANCED Project, implemented by Islamic Relief Philippines and supported by Islamic Relief USA, provided her with Php 12,000 in capital and livestock training
With this support, she invested in a cow, a crucial asset that helps sustain her family’s farming livelihood
In Saima’s community, women are often expected to stay at home However, she refuses to be limited by societal norms
“I see myself as more than just a woman I have confidence and trust in my abilities I know I can do more Islamic Relief helped me become independent and run my own business without solely relying on my husband ”
While her husband works as a farmer, his income alone is not enough to support their family Through her newfound financial independence, Saima can now contribute to their household expenses.
"Before, I would always ask my husband for money, even for simple things like buying makeup But now, I can afford it on my own. More importantly, my business helps provide for my family "
Saima’s journey is proof that women have the strength to create opportunities and make meaningful contributions to their families and communities
“We are not just women we are strong. We have the power to achieve our dreams as long as we have faith in ourselves We just need to believe in our own capabilities ” #
Ramadan 2025
Food Packs Distribution
009 Rosales St., Rosary Heights VI, Cotabato City, Philippines
