MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Saturday appealed for aid and prayers for those affected by Typhoon “Ompong,” which ravaged northern Luzon – particularly Cagayan and Isabela.
“And may the Lord keep the hearts and bodies of those of us who are engaged in the difficult task of preparing and delivering relief goods and assistance, those doing medical help, those who join in rescue operations, strong and optimistic,” CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles said in a message sent to Church-run Radio Veritas.
With this, the Davao archbishop expressed hope that the compassion of those who are willing to help will provide strength to the people affected by the storm.
“May their presence among those who are suffering because of this Calamity bring hope and strength,” Valles added.
Several provinces, including Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Northern Isabela, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga and Babuyan Islands are currently under Signal No. 4.
Caritas Manila has earlier given PHP1 million as initial aid to the Prelature of Batanes; the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and the dioceses of Laoag, Tabuk and Ilagan to help residents affected by the typhoon.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija has assured that all parishes are ready to provide shelter to residents of the province affected by “Ompong.”
“Definitely open ang lahat ng Parokya para sa ating mga mamamayan na makikisilong so prepared sa may Cathedral kasi doon madaling bahain, sa ibang Parokya din ganoon, yung detalye hindi ko pa alam sa kasalukuyan but definitely nais kong i-assure sa ating mga pamayanan na bukas ang ating mga Simbahan para makatulong sa inyo,” Cabanatuan Bishop Sufronio Bancud said in an interview over Radio Veritas on Saturday.
Quoting a report from the Diocese’s Social Action Center, he noted that the typhoon’s major damage was on crops, which are scheduled to be harvested next week
“Ang nakuha kong balita galing sa aking Social Action Director, ang mga naapektuhan ay yung mga tanim, marami sa ating mga magsasaka ang umaasa na mag-aani sa mga susunod na linggo pero lahat yata naapektuhan,” the Catholic prelate added.
He also assured that the diocese is ready to provide immediate support to the residents. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
