The Church in the Philippines collects aid after the Mindanao earthquake

Philippine bishops have called for donations to help those affected by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, which has left thousands displaced and communities struggling to recover.

The June 8 earthquake caused buildings to collapse, triggering landslides and triggering tsunami warnings across a wide area of ​​the South Island.

According to the Civil Defense Office, the national disaster response agency, the earthquake left 46 dead, 630 injured, and 17 missing as of June 10.

More than 800,000 households across Mindanao lack electricity, and the Department of Energy has yet to fully assess the damage to energy infrastructure and accelerate power restoration efforts.

Expressing his deep sorrow and solidarity with the people in Sarangani province and other parts of Mindanao, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, issued a statement on June 9.

“We grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, and stand in spiritual communion with all those displaced from their homes and livelihoods,” he said.

“We also remember in our prayers the rescue workers, medical workers, government agencies and volunteers who continue to work tirelessly in response to this tragedy,” he added.

He urged all dioceses to hold a second gathering at Sunday Masses on June 14. The proceeds will be sent through the Diocesan Social Action Centers and Caritas Philippines to support relief and rehabilitation efforts.

In a separate message, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, president of Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian, development and advocacy arm of the CBCP, said many families are in desperate need of assistance.

“In times of uncertainty and loss, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters from Mindanao,” he added. “May compassion, hope and our shared humanity continue to bind us as communities rebuild and rise together.”

The bishop said people’s donations can help provide relief and restore hope, and no amount is too small when given with love.

Caritas Philippines, in collaboration with diocesan social action centers, is responding to the affected communities, with efforts on par with dioceses, religious congregations and relief groups across the country.

Dioceses express solidarity

The Diocese of Antipolo sent 100,000 pesos ($1,630) to the Diocese of Marble for earthquake relief and 50,000 pesos ($810) to Stella Maris in General Santos City to help families of sailors affected by the disaster.

“In solidarity with our brothers and sisters affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao, the Diocese of Antipolo has provided financial assistance to support the ongoing relief and recovery efforts,” said Antipolo Bishop Roberto Santos.

He added: “As one Church, we continue to respond to the call of Christian love and compassion. We also call on believers and all people of good will to support ongoing relief efforts through monetary donations.”

Santos said people’s generosity will help bring hope, relief and recovery to families and communities affected by the disaster.

The Philippines has 87 ecclesiastical authorities, including 60 dioceses, 16 dioceses, six apostolic vicariates, four regional bishoprics, and a regular military body, which have begun to express solidarity with those affected by the disaster.

Marcos visits the earthquake-stricken area

On June 10, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited General Santos City, including the National High School, one of the sites affected by the earthquake.

After speaking with teachers and students, he said the government would provide mental health support, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, to students traumatized by the earthquake.

“When I talked to the teachers, I told them they had to remember that this was a traumatic experience for the students and the children,” he said. “So, they should also keep an eye on them.”

He added that teachers will be trained to talk to students and provide support to those who may be suffering from trauma and stress.

The earthquake occurred on the first day of the school year, after the two-month summer vacation, disrupting classes in several areas in Mindanao and affecting the safety and learning of teachers and students.

The Ministry of Education said the earthquake affected more than 3.2 million students.

Marcos also announced 100 million pesos ($1,627,000) in financial aid to the General Santos city government to repair City Hall, which was destroyed by the earthquake, and 50,000 pesos ($810) to the families of those who died.

Appeal for more cooperation

The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines called for solidarity with the victims.

“We pray for the safety of our communities, the strength of the rescue and response teams, and the speedy recovery of all affected areas,” the association said in a post on social media. “As one religious community, let us continue to accompany our brothers and sisters through our prayers and acts of mercy.”

The Congress of Chief Chiefs of the Philippines (CMSP) also appealed to the public to help families affected by the disaster, urging people to help victims of the disaster who are facing difficulties, uncertainty and lack of necessities.

“In this time of tragedy and uncertainty, let us come together as one community of faith and compassion. The recent earthquake in Mindanao has left many families sad, displaced and in desperate need of assistance,” a CMSP statement said.

The organization stressed that through donations, the church can help provide food, clean water, temporary shelter, medicine and other basic needs to affected families.

“As consecrated people and people of good will, we are called to be instruments of God’s love and mercy. Through your generous donations, we can help provide food, water, shelter, medicine and other basic needs to our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster,” CMSP said.

“With the support of the government, church organizations and others, we can pick up the pieces and rebuild our lives again,” Nova Laparra, 37, a mother of two teenage girls from General Santos City, told EWTN News.

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