Faith in Action: A Christmas of Compassion and Giving

As the Christmas season enveloped us in its joyous preparations, a heartwarming reminder of the true essence of the holiday came from Ms. Donita Tapay, her company, D & F Foods Ms. Felinor Villar, Mr. Mohammad AlShahrani, Ms. Katrina Saludes, Denver Calalang. In a remarkable act of compassion, they dedicated their time and resources to feed 420 homeless individuals, spreading love, hope, and a sense of belonging.

Accompanying Ms. Donita was Mr. Ramon Matabang, a respected public servant who has served as the President of the Civil Registry Office in the Philippines for over three decades. Together, they brought not only sustenance but also hope for lasting change.

Mr. Matabang’s presence at the event was particularly significant as he collaborated with Ms. Donita on her initiative project, Oplan Birthright. This program aims to address the plight of unregistered and undocumented Filipinos who struggle to secure essential documents due to financial limitations, illiteracy, or lack of access to resources. Recognizing the barriers faced by these individuals, Ms. Donita and Mr. Matabang are determined to find sustainable solutions to make this project a reality in 2025.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Donita emphasized, “Christmas is not just about giving gifts and spending time with our families. It’s about extending that love to those who are less fortunate and reminding everyone of God’s boundless love for all of us.” Her words were a powerful call to action, encouraging everyone to reflect on their responsibilities as individuals to care for those in need.

Through her unwavering commitment to the underprivileged, Ms. Donita’s ongoing projects, including her 2025 “Kalinga” initiative and Oplan Birthright, underline her vision of “faith transforming lives.” These efforts exemplify how compassion and unconditional love can transform communities and bring hope to the marginalized.

As we move forward into the new year, let us carry this message in our hearts. In the spirit of Christmas and beyond, may we all find ways to make a difference, guided by compassion and faith.