Prelate drums up support for Fast2Feed

Archdiocese of Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo has called on the faithful to help feed the hungry by donating to the poor whatever they saved from fasting during the observance of Ash Wednesday on Feb. 17.

In a pastoral letter dated Feb. 7, the prelate said the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected a lot of Filipinos, especially the poor.

"COVID-19 has changed the lives of all people, poor and rich alike, economically, socially and spiritually. Its strongest impact is on the poor families that are now struggling to survive," Pabillo said

"For many of our fellow Filipinos, hunger is real and many of them are asking where to get their food for each day," he added.

"Whatever we can save on Ash Wednesday because of our fasting, abstinences and other acts of penance let us share to those in need of food," said Pabillo.

The prelate then urged everyone to support the Hapag-Asa Integrated Nutrition Program of Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation Inc.

Pondo ng Pinoy supports dioceses in feeding the hungry and malnourished children including the malnourished and lactating mothers through the Hapag-Asa.

The program has been expanded to feed more children who are starving because of the pandemic.

For this purpose, Pondo ng Pinoy is re-launching the Fast2Feed to support funding the Hapag-Asa.

To help feed a hungry child one meal a day for 120 days, a person may donate P10 per day or P1,200 for six months.

"The pandemic has brought too misery among us. But God in His abounding kindness and mercy, is asking us to lend a hand, give help to the poor, and feed the hungry," said Pabillo.

Those who wish to help, he said, may send donation to Caritas Manila indicating that the amount is intended for Fast2Feed.