“The storm cannot destroy hope”: Philippine Church helps monsoon victims
Dioceses mobilised with solidarity and assistance networks. From hot meals distributed by the Perpetual Help Kitchen to shelters offered in parishes in Manila and Quezon City. Priests, volunteers and institutions such as Adamson University are reaching out to those most affected. Maria Teresa, mother of a victim: ‘We have not been abandoned.’
Manila (AsiaNews) - Storms and incessant rains have been raging for days in the Philippines. It is an emergency that has mobilised the Church to help those affected by the adverse weather conditions.
‘A storm cannot destroy a heart full of hope,’ said Maria Christina, a volunteer at the Perpetual Help Kitchen, run by Redemptorist priests.‘We choose to believe in goodness, in others and in God.’
The Perpetual Help Kitchen, linked to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, known as the Redemptorist Church along Roxas Boulevard in Baclaran, Parañaque, has begun providing meals to those affected in the city and surrounding areas.
Last night, the donation of hot meals was very well received at some distribution centres in Baclaran, Maria Christina said. The Shrine was thanked for the collective effort of volunteers, workers, priests, seminarians and young people. ‘We managed to distribute rice and chicken to 584 people.’
The Bishop of Cubao, Elias Ayuban Jr., visited the distribution and hospitality centres for displaced persons in the Roxas district of Quezon City to personally check on the conditions of those who have found refuge in the Church of the Holy Family.
‘The bishop's presence brings comfort and reminds us that in times of crisis, the Church stands as a refuge of hope, compassion and care,’ said parish priest Fr Marvin B. Pajarillaga. Maria Teresa Batistis lost her eldest son, Fhilton John Batistis, who drowned in the flood caused by Typhoon Crising.
She said that despite what her family has suffered, her faith in God remains intact. ‘All the trials I have been given, I have accepted with lightness in my heart. I receive hope from the Lord.’ Batistis prayed to God for the courage to raise her two other children.
Recounting the incident, she said that Fhilton had left home on 21 July and was caught by the sudden rise in water in the Calvary area of Damayang Lagi, Quezon City. His body was not immediately found. Due to the difficulties in the search, Batistis turned to prayer at Our Lady of Mount Carmel to ask for help in finding her son's body.
Twenty-four hours later, Fhilton's body was found on the beach in Navotas. Maria Teresa and her husband Edwin are very grateful to the people and institutions that helped their family. ‘Even though it was terrible for our family, I still thank God. Here I see people who love us, who love my son. We have not been abandoned, we have been helped,’ she said.
Bishop Ayuban personally expressed his closeness to the Batistis family, who have temporarily taken refuge in the Minor Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which in April celebrated the 50th anniversary of its establishment as a parish in 1975.
‘We are one family. Therefore, if one of our brothers or sisters needs help, we are ready to cooperate, sympathise and contribute with everything we can to alleviate their suffering,’ said the bishop.
Fhilton, a student at the Basilica, is among the seven people killed by the southwest monsoon, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), along with eight people missing and seven injured in the same incident.
Adamson University, a Vincentian Catholic institution and recognised centre for quality education in Manila, is collecting donations for those affected by the Crising monsoon (international name: Wipha).
The rains have affected millions of Filipinos, particularly in low-lying areas, causing enormous damage to agriculture and infrastructure.
President Fr. Daniel Franklin E. Pilario said that even a small gesture of kindness can have a significant impact. Adamson University has launched its own ‘Vincentian Foundation’ as a campaign to support families affected by the current flooding caused by torrential rains in Metro Manila and neighbouring regions.
‘We are overwhelmed by the generosity shown by individuals, groups and entrepreneurs. We sincerely thank you for your generosity,’ said Fr. Pilario. ‘We are still accepting donations of cash and goods, as 120 families are still housed in the Vincentian Foundation Bamboo Housing covered camp in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City.’
The parish of the Shrine of the Holy Christ, Archdiocese of Manila, has taken in more than 130 families, totalling over 300 people. The Holy Christ community also wishes to express its gratitude to those who have donated to the displaced.
‘Our parish continues to welcome families and individuals affected by the incessant rains,’ said Joaquin Miguel Castillon, parish volunteer and National Coordinator of the Dominican Youth Movement. The parish continues to offer temporary shelter to affected individuals and families.
These testimonies show how much everyone can expect the Church to always be open, for every problem or disaster, to help and respond to those in need. ‘We pray that everyone will be safe and that He will protect us from all danger. Holy Christ, light of the world, have mercy on us,’ concluded Joaquin Miguel Castillon.
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19/02/2024 14:56
15/04/2020 12:48
