The Jaro Archdiocese has announced a second collection to support victims of the recent 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Mindanao. This initiative comes as communities struggle to recover from the disaster.
Archbishop Calls for Solidarity
We express our solidarity with the victims of the recent earthquake that struck Sarangani Province and other parts of Mindanao.
Archbishop Midyphil Billones
In a circular letter, Archbishop Midyphil Billones directed local parishes to submit their collections to the Oeconomus Office by June 17. His message emphasized the importance of community support in these challenging times.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) also encouraged congregations nationwide to participate in this effort. CBCP President, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, highlighted that the funds will be routed through diocesan agencies and Caritas Philippines for immediate relief efforts.
As of now, search and rescue operations continue in affected regions, particularly in Sarangani and Jose Abad Santos, where many individuals remain unaccounted for. Over 33 persons are still missing, and nearly 4,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quake.
In response to the disaster, the Department of Energy has restored power to hospitals in the region, while the Department of Health has mobilized emergency medical teams to assist local health facilities.