TACLOBAN CITY– Church groups across the country have mobilized relief efforts for victims of recent widespread flooding caused by the southwest monsoon and multiple storms, which left 25 people dead and displaced over 3.8 million.
(PHOTO COURTESY)
Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, launched its Alay Kapwa campaign, calling on unaffected dioceses to send aid. “You can be a beacon of hope. Be an Alay Kapwa partner today,” said Caritas president Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo in a video appeal.
In Quezon City, the Vincentian Missionaries Social Development Foundation Inc. has provided shelter to more than 700 evacuees, while also appealing for food, hygiene items, and other basic supplies.
In Tondo, the UCCP Evangelical Church distributed food packs and renewed calls for climate justice. “We oppose reclamation projects that worsen flooding in vulnerable communities,” said Rev. Irma Balaba, the church’s administrative pastor.
The U.S. government also pledged P13.8 million in aid through the World Food Programme to support the Philippines’ emergency response.
“We are deeply concerned for all those affected,” U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said. (RONALD O. REYES)
