MANILA — The humanitarian, development, and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has launched a PHP5.8 million appeal to the Caritas confederation around the world for the victims of Typhoon “Vinta”.
Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Executive Secretary of NASSA/Caritas Philippines said that the rapid response appeal would benefit 15,000 individuals from five provinces that were hit by the storm.
“Initially, we are launching a 5.8 million pesos appeal for at least 3,000 families (15,000 individuals) severely affected by the devastation of Typhoon Vinta,” he said in a statement.
He said that the appeal would cover the provision of food packs, hygiene kits and capacity building on emergency preparedness and response to the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Compostela Valley, and Davao del Norte.
After Christmas, the Catholic Church, through Caritas Manila, have already released PHP1.8 million to the churches in Butuan, Tagum City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Marawi City, and Dipolog City.
On the other hand, Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona, National Director of NASSA/Caritas Philippines is optimistic that the people from the affected areas will rise despite challenges which happened one after the other.
“This is very unfortunate especially that we are still rising from the heavy damage brought about by the Marawi siege. But Filipinos are resilient and generous alike. We will be able to stand strong against these challenges,” he added.
Likewise, the national social action arm, has launched an online solidarity donation campaign through its Alay Kapwa program.
“We enjoin everyone to support the Church’s online solidarity campaign (https://www.facebook.com/NASSACaritasPhilippines/ and https://twitter.com/Caritas_PHL) to gather additional funds for the relief and early recovery efforts,” Gariguez said.
Donations maybe sent through NASSA/Caritas Philippines’ Alay Kapwa account:
Name of Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Account Holder: CBCP CARITAS FILIPINAS FOUNDATION INC.
Account No: 4951-0071-08
The NASSA/Caritas Philippines is currently doing two humanitarian responses in Mindanao related to Marawi crisis, with a total budget allocation of PHP21.6 million. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)