The Catholic Church in the Philippines is an instrument of communion and unity of people to reach out and give assistance to all Filipinos, especially those who suffer during the natural and human-caused calamities.
For instance, Caritas Manila, through its program Caritas Damayan, mounted relief operations to five different fire accidents in the month of February this year. They have distributed some 2,480 relief packs containing Manna Bags, Hygiene Kits, Sakolin, Pail and Thermos to the fire victims in Parola Compound in Tondo, Manila, last February 7, 2017. The fire left about 3,000 families homeless.
His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who is the chairman of Caritas Manila, also paid a visit to the fire victims in Parola Compound during his 35th presbyteral anniversary on February 27. He encouraged them to help one another to recuperate together from the incident.
“Nasunugan tayo pero sabihin natin sa mundo mayroon tayong apoy na mas malakas, ang ating pag-ibig sa isat-isa. Itayo po nating muli ang ating buhay, ang ating pamilya, ang ating sambayanan sa lakas ng pagdadamayan at pag-ibig. Huwag po kayong panghihinaan ng loob at huwag sana na ang ating karanasan sa sunog ay umuwi sa pagkanya-kanya. Lahat po tayo naghihirap kaya magtulungan, lahat tayo ay dapat huwag nang tapakan pa ang kapwa, bagkus tulungan na makatayo,” the Cardinal said.
Also, Caritas Manila gave assistance by distributing relief goods to the fire victims in Barangay 650, Port Area Manila, on February 3; Raxabago Street, Tondo, Manila, on February 22; Angono Street, Poblacion, Makati City, on February 24; and Estero De Magdalena, Tondo, Manila, on February 25.
Caritas Manila, the lead social services and development ministry of the Church, responds to crises and calamities through Caritas Damayan, providing emergency and relief assistance, humanitarian aid to victims and educates disaster-prone communities by conducting predisaster trainings and help in the restoration and rebuilding of communities.
Caritas Manila utilizes the Church’s network of parishes, priests, social action centers, schools and volunteers to bring aid and assistance directly to affected areas and families.
Annually, the Catholic Church also conducts a Lenten evangelization campaign and fund-raising program, called “Alay Kapwa”, for the social services of the poor and most in need, especially during times of disaster.
This year Caritas Manila and Radio Veritas will conduct Alay Kapwa Telethon on April 10. Funds raised from Alay Kapwa will be used as emergency funds for both natural and human-caused calamities, like typhoons, floods, fire, earthquakes and other tragedies and crises, and for disaster prevention and mitigation programs.
As Pope Francis said in his apostolic letter, Misericordia et Misera, every day is the time of mercy as each day is marked by God’s presence.
“It is the time of mercy because those who are weak and vulnerable, distant and alone, ought to feel the presence of brothers and sisters who can help them in their need. It is the time of mercy because the poor should feel that they are regarded with respect and concern by others who have overcome indifference and discovered what is essential in life,” Pope Francis said.