March 12, 2025. Early this year, a fire incident broke out in Cotabato City affecting hundreds of families. Up until today, many of the victims were left homeless. Majority are living in temporary shelters in an evacuation center, some found refuge in their relatives and the others have started rebuilding their homes partially damaged by the incident. Initial assistance were provided to these families from the city government, and groups and individuals who initiated benevolent acts in response to this calamity.
In this holy month of Ramadhan, the affected families felt the blessings as they were the priority recipients of food packs (10 kgs. rice, sugar, salt, cooking oil, canned goods) distributed as sponsored by a foreign humanitarian foundation. These food items are helpful for the day-to-day survival of these affected families while recovering from the tragedy, especially during this month of fasting for the Muslims.
The blessings of Ramadhan has likewise reached the struggling life of a widowed mother in a remote area of Pantar, Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur, a community within the MILF Camp Bushra. Sophia Casangoan solely provides for her five children with some few aid from neighbors and relatives after her husband passed away.
“This Ramadhan, I sell fresh vegetables from our garden where I get significant income. I have earnings to buy sufficient meals for my kids, which I could hardly afford, before”, she stated.
The group of Sophia is formed in relevant to the project supporting the transitioning combatants. Vegetable production has been agreed by the organization as alternative livelihood.
In February, they have harvested various vegetable crops from their production site where they felt the success of their hard work. And this Ramadhan, they feel more blessed by the income generated from selling their products.
“We share the joy for this group, and we hope that they will sustain this project especially now that they see the potential and the benefits. They just have to work hard and be more resourceful for living”, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) told.
BDA implements the project which focus involves the assistance for the camp communities towards transformation and progress from armed conflict in the past.
For the agency, this Ramadhan, blessings in other form enlightened their staff and volunteers through symposium that provided refreshing and illuminating lectures and wisdom relevant for spiritual reflection and growth this holy month and further.
Ramadhan, a sacred month for Muslim communities encourage good deeds among the believers to gain multiple rewards in this world and the hereafter.
Every year, BDA implements Ramadhan Program during this month by delivering food packs and provision of free meals for Iftar (breaking of fast) as donated by foreign partner organizations, conducting Islamic lectures, study circles and among others. (BDA Communication Team, 2025).
