Archbishop Tirona: Let us work hand in hand to help those in need

Caritas-Caceres, Social Action arm of the Archdiocese, continues to help families affected by typhoons that struck Bicol Region. For the Church, bringing quick response and relief items that respond to the basic needs of those affected by the typhoons, assure the people of the church’s presence amidst their struggles and pain. It is important that Bishops, priests, religious and lay leaders visit the people especially those whose houses were severely damaged and whose means of livelihood were washed out, opined Bishop Alan Dialogo, Bishop of Sorsogon.

Archbishop Rolando J. Tria-Tirona, OCD, celebrates mass at the Christ the King Church, Ateneo de Naga University last December 3, 2020, Feast of St. Francis Xavier, the school’s Patron Saint. Jovit Verona

Twenty five (25) families per parish are the target beneficiaries of GI sheets from Caritas-Caceres to aid them in rebuilding their shelter that were severely damaged by the typhoons. Nineteen (19) parishes out of ninety three (93) parishes of the Archdiocese of Caceres have been the initial recipients of the housing assistance. Seventy four (74) parishes will be at the waiting list for the housing aid.

Aside from quick response activities or giving relief food packs, the Social Action Commission of the Archdiocese of Caceres is now providing housing assistance to families whose houses were severely damaged by Typhoons Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses.

Sixty eight (68) out of ninety three (93) parishes were served with food packs which started after Typhoon Quinta affected the province. More families were affected by typhoon Rolly and Ulysses.

Food packs being distributed by Caritas-Caceres in the parishes consist of rice, canned goods, coffee, sugar and milk, bottled water, biscuits, juices and vitamins. Also included in the pack are hygiene kits like tooth brush, tooth paste, bath soap, detergent soap and face masks. Additional items include ‘trapal’ and drinking water containers.

This coming week, food packs and GI sheets will be distributed by Caritas-Caceres to the following parishes:

Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Malawag, Nabua, Parish of St. Dominic of Guzman in Sto. Domingo, Nabua, Parish of St. John Ma.Vianney in San Ramon, Iriga and Our Lady of Fatima Parish at San Isidro, Iriga.

In his message after typhoons struck Bicol Region, Archbishop Rolando J. Tirona, Archbishop of Caceres, expressed his unity with those who are suffering and in pain due to the damage caused by the storm. He also said that it is the Lord who gives strength, hope and that He will lift our spirits to rise up together. He challenges all to pray, and to those who have the resources, work hand-in-hand to help those in need.

In behalf of the many typhoon victims in the archdiocese, Archbishop Tirona expressed his gratitude to educational and religious institutions in the Archdiocese for facilitating various support and assistance to the Social Action Center, Caritas-Caceres. He reported that more than eighty percent (80%) of the 93 parishes were covered in bringing more than 1000 sacks of rice in food packs. He said that the local church assisted more than 50,000 families and still continue to do so. Likewise, an initial 500 families in various parishes were given various construction materials to start reconstructing their houses that has been destroyed by the typhoons.

The Archbishop expressed his gratitude on December 3, 2020 at Christ the King Church on the occasion of the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Patron Saint of Ateneo de Naga University. He concelebrated with the Jesuit fathers who are also celebrating this year the 80th foundation of Ateneo de Naga University. “We really feel your support. This is a tremendous source of consolation and strength to continue our ministry of making the Lord Jesus present especially for the poor and for those affected by the typhoon. And we continue to do so.” -Myrna Bermudo