Caritas Manila, the social service arm of the Archdiocese of Manila conducted relief operations last July 30, 2023, distributing over 700 Manna sacks to those affected by Typhoon Egay in Binangonan, Angono, San Mateo, and Montalban, Rizal.
With the assistance of the Diocese of Antipolo’s Social Arm, an additional 27 Manna bags were distributed to the families of those who succumbed to the sinking of Princess Aya in Laguna Lake.
Father Edwin Tirado, Parish Priest of Santo Domingo Parish in Barangay Janosa, Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal, expressed his profound gratitude for Caritas Manila’s assistance to the bereaved families.
“Talagang bukod sa panalangin na binibigay ng simbahan at encouragement, pagasa yung tulong na pinansyal o anuman na pwede nilang makuha ay very much appreciated kasi sa oras na ito talaga ay kailangan na kailangan talaga nila so lahat ng magbibigay at nagbigay lalo na sa Caritas Manila, maraming-maraming salamat at alam ko matutuwa yung mga naulila simple man ito pero ito ay makakadagdag sa kaliwanagan at pagasa na hinangangad nila sa mga sandaling ito,” Fr. Tirado told Radio Veritas.
Father Alex Miday, Assistant Priest of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Aransazu in San Mateo, Rizal, also expressed his gratitude and urged the faithful to take part in the Church’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the calamity.
“Ito ay patuloy natin pakikisa sa misyon ng Panginoon na iangat ang mga nasa abang kalagayan at patuloy na iparamdam sa kanila ang kapangyarihan ng pagi-ibig ng Diyos kung saan dito natin lubos na napanghahawakan na ang Diyos ay tunay ngang emmanuel o kasamahan natin na kasama natin sa anuman ang ating pinagdaraanan,” said Fr. Miday.
438 Manna Bags were distributed in the vicinity of Aransazu Dam, 90 in Sacred Heart Parish Binangonan, Rizal, 71 in Maria Ina ng Kapayapaan Parish in Montalban, 65 in the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Clement in Angono, and 27 for the families of those who perished on Talim Island, according to data from Caritas Manila.
Before this, Caritas Manila provided 800,000 pesos in cash assistance to four dioceses and archdioceses in Northern Luzon that were severely impacted by the typhoon.
Caritas Manila, in collaboration with various religious organizations and communities, is providing timely assistance and relief to the victims of Typhoon Egay through its efforts. As the affected regions continue the process of recovery, Caritas Manila and its partners serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity for those who have endured tremendous hardships and losses. (Luis Angelo Sta. Maria/Volunteer Writer/San Felipe Neri Parish)
