PHILIPPINES: Catholic groups help Muslim communities rebuild lives

POONA PIAGAPO, Philippines (UCAN) -- The sound of gongs reverberated in the air as indigenous Maranao people celebrated improvements in their lives, thanks to Catholic organizations.

During the March 16 kanduri feast in Poona Piagapo in the southern Lanao del Norte province, Muslim youths danced with fans and malong (yards of colorful fabric), while children and elders watched smiling under a colorful tent.

The indigenous festival was held with four other villages in thanksgiving for improvements in the villagers' lives brought by projects supported by Caritas Australia and Catholic Fund for Overseas Development (CAFOD).

"We are thankful to Allah" and to these groups, village officer Linang Aguam said. He added that "knowing that there are institutions that could help us" is encouraging. [More at UCAN]