Parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila will hold a second collection in all Masses during the six Sundays of Lent starting Feb. 21, to raise funds for "Alay Kapwa," the annual Lenten Evangelization and fundraising program of the Catholic Church.

Funds raised from Alay Kapwa will be used by Caritas Manila, the Archdiocese of Manila's social action arm, as an emergency fund in responding to both natural and human-caused calamities.

"Alay Kapwa supports our social services to the poor, to victims of calamities, and to those heavily affected by the pandemic. Funds raised during the second collection...will be remitted to Caritas Manila for our Damayan assistance for relief and emergency response and humanitarian aid," Archdiocese of Manila Apostoloc Administrator Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo said in a pastoral letter dated Feb. 9.

In 2020, he said, the church extended relief and rehabilitation assistance to the urban poor families who were affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and those who were victims of typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. 

"We continue to address the hunger and malnutrition of the poor as a
result of the pandemic and other calamities," said Pabillo.

"However, with natural and man-made disasters left and right funds get immediately depleted. Thus, it is our fervent prayer and hope that we become more generous in supporting the Alay Kapwa campaign," he added.

The prelate said Lent is the perfect time to be the face of Christ to the needy through charity in action. 

"In the spirit of love (Caritas), we are called to participate in the Lenten pillar of almsgiving," said Pabillo.

"This Lenten evangelization and fundraising program is one way of expressing our spiritual commitment to be the face of Christ to the poor and marginalized," he added.

Catholics will mark the start of the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 17.