Caceres sends assistance to ‘Odette’ - hit dioceses

By Tere Esmeralda - Medina

Caritas-Caceres (Naga) Inc., the Social Action Commission of the Archdiocese of Caceres, through its Executive Director Rev. Fr. Marcel Emmanuel DP. Real, announced that the archdiocese has sent assistance to the seven (7) typhoon Odette affected dioceses.

Recipients of the support include the dioceses of Tagbilaran and Taliban in Bohol; Kabangkalan and San Carlos in Negros; Maasin in Leyte, Surigao and Cebu.

Through the inspiration of Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria-Tirona, OCD, DD, a second collection was initiated during the Sunday masses after the disaster hit the country in December last year.

A total of Php 200, 000.00 was given to the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines, the network of Social Action Centers, in support of its quick response efforts to the affected dioceses.

Another Php 650,000.00 was given directly to the seven dioceses earlier mentioned as they continue their relief and rehabilitation operations.

Donations in kind received by Caritas - Caceres were likewise sent to NASSA this January.

It would be recalled that the province of Camarines Sur experienced the longest typhoon ever after the province was visited by three typhoons in the span of a couple of weeks in the last quarter of 2020.

First there was Super Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni), which hit the country on October 25, 2020, followed a week after by Typhoon Quinta (Molave). Several days after came Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco). This has been extraordinarily harsh on the local communities, especially in the midst of a pandemic.

The spirit of solidarity was strongly felt by the Archdiocese of Caceres with the pouring in of donations from other dioceses in the country and generous individuals.

“In the same spirit of solidarity, it is now our turn to show care and love for our brethren in need of our help. As we do so, we are inspired by Jesus’ words: ‘Whatever you do to the least of your brethren, you do it unto me,” Fr. Marc Real, added.

Fr. Marc wishes to extend gratitude to all parishes as well as in individual donors who have sent their support.