US Embassy, UP-IIS host ‘iftars’ in honor of Ramadan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 27): US Embassy, UP-IIS host ‘iftars’ in honor of Ramadan

In culmination of the holy month of Ramadan, the United States (U.S.) Embassy in the Philippines has partnered with the University of the Philippines (UP) Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) in hosting two simultaneous iftar activities on Wednesday.

One at IIS in Quezon City and the other at the Santa Elena Evacuation Center in Iligan City serving 1,140 Marawi evacuees. The two communities shared food and fellowship, and strengthened their resolve in solidarity with victims of the Marawi siege.

Following Maghrib, the sunset prayer, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Michael Klecheski joined UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan, Dean of the IIS Macrina Morados, students, professors, government officials and civil society members to break the fast.  

Klecheski conveyed his sympathies to Marawi residents who are still affected by the conflict, noting the charity and generosity of the Muslim community during the siege. “Muslim communities sacrificed their own safety to protect fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike, giving free food, water, and shelter to those in need,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tan thanked the U.S. Embassy for its support and highlighted its upcoming joint endeavors.

In Santa Elena, Iligan City, U.S. government exchange alumni and UP-IIS alumni organized an iftar for about 1,140 Marawi evacuees. The volunteers in charge of the event included alumni of U.S. government-sponsored programs such as Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (K-L YES). Launched in 2013, YSEALI is the U.S. government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia.    

Through a variety of programs and engagements, YSEALI focuses on critical topics identified by youth in the region and seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture an ASEAN community. The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, provides scholarships for secondary school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend one academic year in the United States.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines collaborates with universities across the country to empower communities through cultural and educational outreach programs. (U.S. Embassy)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761498545040/us-embassy-up-iis-host-iftars-in-honor-of-ramadan