Alay Kapwa 2025: “Kapwa Ko, Pananagutan Ko”

Lent is a sacred season of reflection, renewal, spiritual preparation, compassion, generosity, and a chance to show kindness to those who are suffering from poverty and injustice. It is a season of unity, cooperation, and solidarity, exemplified through the Alay Kapwa program.

Recognizing the importance of this meaningful tradition, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Barangay Lasang took part in this year’s Alay Kapwa campaign, which carries the powerful theme: “Kapwa Ko, Pananagutan Ko” (Romans 14:7) — “None of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.” This year’s theme underscores our collective responsibility to uplift and care for our fellow human beings.

On the afternoon of March 26, 2025, barangay officials gathered at the Barangay Lasang main office for a special Alay Kapwa activity. The gathering began with a moment of prayer and reflection, aimed at offering spiritual support to individuals and communities in need.

This spiritually enriching activity was facilitated by the Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK) Servant Leaders (GSLs), who have consistently been at the forefront of organizing faith-driven initiatives in the barangay. During the event, various barangay personnel participated actively by reading Scripture passages for the day and leading prayers and petitions. The presence and unity of the participants highlighted the spirit of cooperation that defines the Alay Kapwa campaign.

One of the participants, the LGBTQIA+ Desk officer Temme Longino, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the GSLs for their guidance and support. She emphasized that without the GSLs’ assistance, their efforts to help those in need would not have been as impactful.

Alay Kapwa is a vital initiative in the Archdiocese of Davao, grounded in the Filipino spirit of caring and sharing. It is a Lenten evangelization and fundraising campaign that encourages people to serve their neighbors by living the Gospel values of love, justice, and peace, especially for the poor. The program is carried out through the Archdiocesan Social Action Center (ASAC), which mobilizes people to offer their time, talents, and resources.

The Alay Kapwa campaign formally begins on Ash Wednesday and continues until Holy Thursday. As part of the campaign, GKK units, through the leadership of the GSLs and the Tigpasayon Pundok Banay (TPB), conduct pastoral activities such as house-to-house visitations, prayer assemblies, and spiritual counseling. These efforts aim to strengthen faith and solidarity among communities while providing emotional and material support to those in need.

One of the major highlights of the campaign is the observance of Alay Kapwa Sunday, which falls on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025. On this day, a Second Collection will be held in all parishes to raise funds for the program’s various charitable missions. All proceeds are to be submitted to the Arzobispado Finance Department by May 9, 2025.

To bolster fundraising efforts, Alay Kapwa envelopes will be distributed across all parishes, shrines, and church-run institutions. Coin banks will also be made available and placed in strategic locations such as homes, schools, offices, and business establishments to encourage broader participation from the public. These humble but meaningful contributions go a long way in transforming lives and uplifting communities.

The funds collected will support a wide array of humanitarian services. These include 700 college scholarship grants for underprivileged but deserving students for the School Year 2025–2026, providing them with opportunities to pursue higher education and break the cycle of poverty. The campaign also helps fund essential health and medical support through partner clinics and hospitals, along with regular medical and dental missions, especially in far-flung and underserved areas. These missions include free surgeries for patients with conditions such as pterygium, cataract, cleft lip, and cleft palate—life-changing interventions for many families.

Moreover, the Alay Kapwa campaign extends its reach to the most vulnerable sectors of society. It includes assistance to inmates through the ABC Global for Health program, ensuring they receive the healthcare and support they need. Regular medical consultations are also made available in five urban and coastal communities, providing consistent access to basic health services. Furthermore, the campaign stands ready to offer emergency relief and aid to parishes and communities affected by natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, or earthquakes.

In its totality, Alay Kapwa is more than just a Lenten campaign—it is a testament to the power of faith in action. It is a call to every Christian to live the Gospel through acts of love and service. By embracing our role as stewards of God’s blessings, we become instruments of hope and change in the lives of others. The participation of Barangay Lasang in this year’s Alay Kapwa campaign serves as a powerful reminder that when a community comes together in faith and compassion, remarkable things can happen. (Thea Angela V. Longino | HCDC Intern)