Philippine bishops call for a special collection for earthquake victims
The latest toll stands at 37 dead, four missing, and more than 450 injured. Bishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the CBCP, has called on all Filipinos to contribute aid to the relief effort. Many parts of the earthquake-stricken area are still without power. Homes have been destroyed, and more than a thousand people have been evacuated, including in Indonesia.
Manila (AsiaNews) – The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed solidarity with the victims of the powerful earthquake that struck Sarangani, in the south of the country, calling for prayers and countrywide support for the victims and rebuilding in the affected communities.
To this end, the prelates announced a special collection during next Sunday’s Masses, with the proceeds going entirely to the people touched by the earthquake.
In this regard, Bishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the CBCP, asked all Filipinos to contribute to the relief and rehabilitation efforts through diocesan social action centres and Caritas Philippines, the Catholic Church's main humanitarian agency in the Asian country.
The powerful earthquake struck Sarangani province and other parts of the southern island of Mindanao yesterday morning.
“We grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured, and stand in spiritual communion with all those who have been displaced from their homes and livelihoods,” Bishop Garcera said in his pastoral letter, which was released today. “We also remember in our prayers the rescue workers, medical personnel, government agencies, and volunteers who continue to labor tirelessly in responding to this tragedy,” he added.
The CBCP president expressed deep concern for those affected by the earthquake and asked all dioceses, parishes, religious communities, and Catholic institutions across the country to offer a special prayer of the faithful during all Masses next Sunday.
The special prayer will be said for the victims of the earthquake, for those engaged in rescue and relief operations, and for the swift recovery of the affected communities. Proceeds from the collection will be sent through the diocesan social action centres and Caritas Philippines to support relief and rehabilitation efforts.”
According to Jennibeth Dapar, a resident of Sarangani, the devastating earthquake that struck the province inflicted severe damage to the infrastructure, especially homes, in many municipalities, leaving many families homeless and in urgent need of food, clean water, clothing, and temporary shelter.
“If one has the means to help people and support the relief efforts, it would be great,” she told AsiaNews. “Every little bit matters right now. Let’s pull together for Sarangani. People’s kindness, compassion, and solidarity during this difficult time will always be remembered.”
For its part, the Conference of Major Superiors of the Philippines (CMSP) has called for prayers and solidarity for the communities affected by the earthquake.
In a statement, it urged people to unite to help the victims of the disaster, which caused deaths, damage to infrastructure, and power and communication outages in parts of Mindanao.
“In this difficult time, let us come together in prayer for the safety, protection, and healing of all those affected,” the CMSP said.
The religious community also stressed the importance of compassion and unity in responding to community needs.
Father Jerome Millan, director of Social Action for the Diocese of Marbel, reported on the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake in General Santos City and other towns in Sarangani, such as destroyed infrastructure and loss of power.
“There is still no electricity in General Santos City and other municipalities in Sarangani province. Many houses and buildings have been damaged,” the clergyman said.
According to the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the death toll now stands at 37, with 479 injured and four missing.
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) called for a show of solidarity with earthquake victims and prayers for rescue workers involved in rescue operations in the affected areas.
Church People Workers Solidarity (CWS) has called for unity and cooperation between Church groups and the public to provide immediate assistance and relief to the victims.
The CMSP has also launched an appeal for donations, through which the Church can help provide food, clean water, temporary shelter, medicine, and other essential needs for affected families.
“As consecrated persons and people of goodwill, we are called to be instruments of God’s love and mercy. Through your generous donations, we can help provide food, water, shelter, medicines, and other essential needs for our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster,” the CMSP said in a statement.
The earthquake also impacted Indonesia, where at least 45 homes were heavily damaged in North Sulawesi with 1,160 residents evacuated from the province, the local Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported.
Some 11 homes were damaged in the Talaud Islands and 34 homes in the Sangihe Islands. The affected homes are in the Talaud Islands Regency and the Sangihe Islands Regency, small islands in the province of North Sulawesi that can only be reached by a one- to two-day boat ride.
In addition to residential buildings, several public structures in Sangihe were also touched, including a mosque, two churches, a school, and an official residence.
The affected areas in Sangihe include the villages of Kawio, Matutuang, Marore, Bira, Batu Wingkung, Tambung, Santiago, Kolongan Beha, as well as Kendahe District.
BPBD North Sulawesi chief Adolf Tamengkel said further damage was reported in Talaud, including a hospital in Mala Village, Melonguane district, and a port warehouse in Essang district.
“In addition, a hospital unit in Mala Village, Melonguane District, Talaud Islands Regency, and a warehouse at the Perintis Port in Essang District were also damaged,” he said.
(Mathias Hariyadi contributed to this article)
.png)
