MANILA, August 23, 2013—The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines—National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA) has appealed for Solidarity Assistance for victims of typhoons Labuyo and Maring that devastated several provinces in Luzon.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo in a statement said, Nassa is making available a total budget of P 2,134,500.00 to cover the priority needs of six affected dioceses based on the data gathered with Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
“Our plan is to send food items of rice, lentils and assorted canned goods to the Dioceses of Bayombong (Quirino Province), Imus (Cavite), San Pablo (Laguna), Iba (Zambales) and Malolos (Bulacan), and the Prelature of Infanta (Aurora), targeting a total of 14,600 families,” Pabillo, who is also chair of NASSA, said.
But he added, the initial release of the Alay Kapwa Funds as well as those of Dioceses that remitted or pledged their donation are still not sufficient for the new target considering that there is a big number of dioceses to be assisted in their emergency needs following the devastation of Habagat.
“We are deeply grateful to the dioceses that remitted or pledged for donation. But, your solidarity assistance is still very much needed,” Pabillo added.
NASSA already sent P1.3 million to the Social Action Centers of the arch/dioceses of Cotabato, Iba, Bayombong, and the Prelature of Infanta, all in Mindanao, from the Alay Kapwa/Lenten Campaign Fund.
Similarly, Caritas Manila sent P1.5 million, adding to its list, the diocese of Ilagan.
“These amounts are meager compared to the immensity of need. Thus, we need to mobilize our diocesan network to raise more funds in solidarity with the victims/survivors in the affected dioceses. Just this week, monsoon rains has flooded the provinces of Laguna and Cavite, and parts of Metro Manila. Soon, we expect more families in need or relief. We need your help,” Pabillo furthered.
Interested individuals may deposit their donations to NASSA/Caritas Philippines at:
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands?
Acct. Name: CBCP Caritas Filipinas Foundation, Inc.
Acct. Number: 4951-0071-08
Those with internet access may also go to the link for online donation at:
<http://ushare.unionbankph.com/caritasfilipinas/>. (Jandel Posion)
