Help ‘Glenda’ victims, Tagle appeals

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle: Appeal for help. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and other Church officials urged the Catholic faithful on Thursday to help the victims of Typhoon Glenda in Luzon and some parts of the Visayas.

Tagle, who issued the appeal through the Church-run Radio Veritas, also urged the public to pray for the victims, especially those who lost their loved ones in the disaster.

Occurrences such as typhoons should be an opportunity for people to reflect and examine themselves on how they fulfill their responsibilities as stewards of the environment, he said.

In Sorsogon, Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, the chair of the Episcopal Commission on Missions of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), similarly appealed for help, saying many residents have lost their homes and livelihood.

“We need building materials, food items, sleeping items. The houses of many residents have no roofs. We will be happy if you will help us. Our diocese, Sorsogon City, is the most badly hit. We are hoping and seeking help for the victims,” he said.

Meanwhile, Caritas Manila executive director Fr. Anton Pascual said the social arm of the Archdiocese of Manila has allocated P3 million for typhoon victims in the Bicol Region and Luzon.

Pascual also appealed for donations for the typhoon victims. He said these could be sent to any church parish.

The National Secretariat for Social Action Justice and Peace of the CBCP has already formed five teams that will assess the damage left by Glenda in the affected areas.