Caritas Manila celebrated its 68th anniversary on October 8, 2021. The online celebration was broadcasted on social media with Most Rev. Teodoro Bacani Jr., Bishop-Emeritus of Novaliches, presided over the celebration of the mass in the Caritas Manila compound in Pandacan, Manila. 

Bishop of Caloocan, Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio David was also present as he shared his insights on the ‘Social Mission of the Church in the Celebration of the 500 years of Christianity’. The Commission on Social Service and Development of the Archdiocese of Manila through Rev. Fr. Erik Adoviso also took part in the celebration as it gave recognition to Caritas Manila’s leaders and volunteers. Resource person Bro. Clifford Sorita, sociologist and chief strategist of Radio Veritas, talked about the importance of cooperative. 

Since the start of the pandemic last year, Caritas Manila had been active in assisting the poor and the needy in the country. They coordinated with different private sectors in giving gift certificates for the 1.3 million families living in Metro Manila. 

This year, Caritas Manila, in partnership with a private organization, distributed 200 million pesos worth of relief goods. The charitable institution also continues supporting the scholarship program for 5,000 students all over the country. 

Caritas Manila was established in October 1953 by then Manila Archbishop Cardinal Rufino Santos and was initially named Catholic Charities.

Since then Caritas manila has been involved in Disaster Response, Health and Crisis assistance, Malnutrition and Hunger alleviation, Educational Scholarship, Restorative Justice, Livelihood, and Plant-Based Programs. (Fatima Llanza/RCAM-AOC)