ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Solidarity and collection in churches to help communities affected by the earthquake in Mindanao

General Santos (Fides News Agency) – Profound solidarity, immediate humanitarian aid, and unceasing prayer: this is how Catholic communities in the Philippines are showing their support for the populations devastated by the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the southern archipelago. The quake, which struck on June 8, shook several provinces on the large island of Mindanao, claiming at least 37 lives and injuring approximately 500 people; the death toll continues to rise.
Power outages affected many areas; homes, infrastructure, roads, and some churches were destroyed, particularly in the region around General Santos. Relief efforts are ongoing while authorities assess the extent of the damage and the immediate needs of the affected communities. In a statement issued today, June 9, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), called on dioceses, parishes, religious orders, and Catholic institutions to include special prayers for the earthquake victims in Masses this coming Sunday. He also appealed to the country's bishops to authorize a special collection on June 14, the proceeds of which will benefit diocesan social centers and Caritas Philippines to support relief and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas. "Especially in times like these, we must not forget that the Church is called to be a sign of hope and a witness to charity," said Archbishop Garcera. "As one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Their pain is our pain, their loss is our loss," he added. Caritas Philippines has already begun coordinating relief efforts for the affected communities. The president of Caritas in the Philippines, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, assured survivors that the Catholic Church's social network stands by their side as they rebuild after the disaster.
"Amidst fear, worry, and uncertainty, we want to assure everyone that they are not alone," said Bishop Alminaza, appealing to dioceses, religious orders, and all people of goodwill to support relief and reconstruction efforts. However, some areas of the Diocese of Marbel remain difficult to access, particularly those inhabited by indigenous communities in the area around Lake Sebu. The Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal José Advincula, assured the people of the Church's prayers and promised the community's continued support for the reconstruction. In a message broadcast on Radio Veritas, the Cardinal emphasized shared responsibility in times of crisis: "In difficult times, we can draw strength from our faith and our mutual solidarity." Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu, in the center of the archipelago, also called on the faithful to pray for the earthquake victims and asked for spiritual support in addition to humanitarian aid. Bishops from various dioceses are already organizing a collection, which will take place during Mass on Sunday, June 14; the proceeds will be channeled through Caritas Philippines to provide humanitarian aid to the affected population. (PA) (Fides News Agency, 9/6/2026)

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