Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle called on the faithful to extend assistance to the survivors of Tropical Storms “Urduja” and “Vinta” in the Visayas and Mindanao that left more than 200 dead and scores missing.
The international community has also offered assistance to the Philippines. Japan has joined the United Nations and the European Union in expressing willingness to help the survivors.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday said his country was ready to send emergency relief goods “to the maximum extent possible” for the tens of thousands affected by Vinta.
On Church-run Radio Veritas, Tagle appealed to the public’s generosity, especially during the Christmas season. “It is only right that we become channels of goodness for our brothers who lost their loved ones, homes and livelihood.”
He urged the faithful to forward aid to the victims through Caritas offices or social action centers. —REPORTS FROM JULIE M. AURELIO AND DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN