During the 2025 Christmas season, Franciscan missionaries and local volunteers carried out a gifting project that brought joy to underprivileged communities in the Cotabato Province of the Philippines. Hundreds of families, indigenous groups, and elderly community members received Christmas cheer while fostering closer relationships that strengthened their neighborhoods.

With the help of Franciscan Health Care Crossing Borders Incorporated, food, blankets, hygiene products, and school supplies were distributed throughout the five different communities.

The project brought together local government organizations and nonprofits to extend care and compassion to those on the margins and address both immediate needs and long-term well-being.

Though the journey was marked by rugged terrain and difficulty reaching remote areas, the mission team persevered, driven by their deep commitment to bring Christmas blessings to forgotten communities.

Serving Underprivileged Children and Families 

One stop was an outreach effort in Kidapawan City serving 100 children and families. The event began with a catechism lesson and a discussion about human rights for the children and parents. Students received backpacks with school supplies, hygiene items, blankets, and meals. Their families received 5 kilos of rice, groceries, and household supplies. A fellowship lunch was served to close out the event.

Another stop on the journey was at the Kapati Waterfalls Mission and the volunteers navigated rough mountain roads to reach the destination. Once they arrived, 150 children from 80 families were waiting to greet the team. The day started with a 6:30 a.m. mass at Damietta Friary, followed by meal distribution, snacks, school supplies, blankets, and household goods.

Reaching the Marginalized and Displaced 

A third outreach event was held in an indigenous community in Sitio Pangipasan. The event was attended by 90 children and 115 families of the Indigenous Manobo Tribe. The mission team distributed Jollibee meals to the children, as well as snacks, school supplies, blankets, rice, and household goods.

The mission also reached a relocation site in Luayon, Makilala, for 120 children and families displaced by the June 2024 earthquake. This event was an interfaith collaboration with the United Methodist Church, guided by three Methodist pastors. The children welcomed the outreach team with Christmas carols, and they received McDonald’s meals, snacks, blankets, bath towels, and school supplies.

Caring for the Elderly 

A very special stop on the mission tour was for senior citizens in Magpet at St. Joseph the Worker Parish. About 140 seniors gathered for a welcome message while volunteers distributed rice, noodles, canned goods, towels, and bread. One of the volunteers gave a talk on the 3 Cs of the Franciscan family: crib, cross, and chalice. The talk centered on God’s nature as human and divine, and the spiritual significance of Christmas.

The Reason for the Christmas Season 

While the Christmas season has passed, the mission to uplift those on the margins continues. From the dedicated volunteers braving mountain roads to the generous supporters of Franciscan Health Care Crossing Borders Incorporated, many people made the mission a success. This season of giving in Cotabato Province was a beautiful testament to the power of community, interfaith collaboration, and shared humanity.

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