The Al-Rahma International Charity Kuwait (ARICK) launched the “Kuwait Caravans of Mercy” relief operations program on Friday, Feb. 25, at the Pasig City Hall in celebration of Kuwait National Day.
The “Kuwait Caravans of Mercy” is an annual international humanitarian drive in which food and relief packs are distributed to poor communities by Muslim volunteers.
The project was launched in the Philippines because of the country’s good relations with Kuwait, as well as their previous partnerships in education and medical programs since 2013, particularly in Muslim communities.
The program was made in collaboration with the Human Foundation for Social and Educational Development, Inc. (HFSED).
Representatives from ARICK, HFSED and the Embassy of Kuwait in the Philippines were present in the ceremony.
The Pasig City government hosted the ceremony, represented by city administrator Atty. Jeronimo U. Manzanero, on behalf of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.
“We need solidarity. We need to heal and the world needs to work together. This Rahma Caravan is a testament that the entire world can be at peace,” Manzanero said.
Overall, the non-governmental organization (NGO) deployed 270 trucks in 23 countries, and prepared 12 trucks for the program in the Philippines.
On Feb. 25, five trucks roamed around the four cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), namely the City of Manila, Pasig City, Quezon City, Taguig City; and Cavite .
The program continued until Saturday, Feb. 26, where seven trucks were deployed for distribution in areas around southern Mindanao.
Each truck carried around eight tons of food and relief packs containing bags of rice, assorted canned goods, alcohol, and face masks.
Selected students from the Asia Academic Integrated School, Inc. (AAIS) performed a song in both English and Arabic in the opening ceremony.
Located in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, the AAIS is the only Islamic integrated school in the NCR that is recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd).
Other personalities who attended the event included Pasig City Councilor Syvel Asilo, Barangay Captain Maricar Vivero of Pinagbuhatan, Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs Tonisito Umali, and Dr. Margarita Ballesteros, the director of the International Cooperation Office (ICO), both from the Department of Education.