Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – While the number of victims and homeless continues to rise (over 100 dead and 340,000 homeless), the Church in the Philippines has been working to provide rescue and assistance to the thousands of people effected by Typhoon Ondoy, which hit the island of Luzon in recent days, causing flooding in Manila (now 80% under water) and in surrounding regions.
According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council, the government has delivered all the needed resources for helping the victims: soldiers, police, civil volunteers are all working on the rescue operation, now intensified thanks to an improvement in meteorological conditions. In the meantime, a “state of disaster” has been declared and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has opened the doors of the Presidential Palace in Malacanang, where a Central Committee for Emergency Aid and coordination of rescue efforts.
The government's efforts is being complimented by that of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. As Agenzia Fides has learned from the local Church, the Bishops' Conference – through the National Secretariat for Social Activity, led by Sr. Rosanne Mallillin, has contributed over 5 million pesos, now being distributed in Manila and the five dioceses that have most been affected by the typhoon (Iba, Malolos, Antopolo, San Pablo, and San Fernando).
In the meantime, Caritas of Manila has sent in first aid supplies to the centers for refugees established in several parts of the capital, collecting materials and aid coming in from all over the country.
The Catholic faithful are working non-stop and volunteer groups from various dioceses have been traveling to the hardest hit areas to offer support: “They are 'the good Samaritans' that are carrying out this work in a humble manner,” Caritas of Manila Director Father Anton C.T. Pascual told Fides.
With ads on Radio Veritas, one of the most popular stations in the Philippines, Caritas has also launched a fundraising campaign in order to ensure the continuation of the rescue effort, recalling the feast day of Saint Vincent de Paul, Patron of Charitable Services, inviting all Filipinos to make a small personal contribution to help the disaster victims. Donations have also been coming in to Caritas centers all over the world. Among the most needed items are: food such as rice, meat, bread, cookies, sugar, and water; medicine – especially antibiotics and anti-flu medicine; vitamins and health materials; clothing, blankets, and linens.
There is also a prayer campaign underway. Various churches throughout the country have organized prayer vigils for the victims. In Davao (on the island of Mindanao), a special prayer has been said “for our brothers and sisters in Luzon, imploring the protection of the Blessed Virgin, full of love and compassion for those who suffer.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/9/2009)
