Bishop calls on Catholics to send donations for Mayon evacuees

Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon. Photo from https://www.cbcponline.net/bishops/bishops/buzon.html

BACOLOD CITY-Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon has called on the faithful to help more than 80,000 people displaced by the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay.

The bishop sent a circular to all parishes, asking the public to respond to the needs of the evacuees by sending their donations through the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod.

The National Secretariat for Social Action of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippine (NASSA-CBCP) has organized “Simbahan Para sa Mayon 2018” to answer the needs of those affected by the eruption of Mayon volcano, he said.

“The Diocese of Bacolod is lending its helping hand. In this regard, I have directed our Diocese Social Action Center, through its director, Fr. Chris Gonzales, to organize relief operations, by activating the social action centers in our parishes and chaplaincies for this purpose,” the bishop said.

All parishes and chaplaincies are encouraged to give their contributions in cash or kind in support of this relief operation, he said.

Buzon also called for a second collection in all Masses on Feb. 4 which would be given to the Mayon volcano evacuees.

The amount would be forwarded to the Diocesan Treasurer’s Office that would then remit it to the NASSA-CBCP, he added.

Father Gonzales said the Diocese Social Action Center is accepting any kind of donation, but they prefer cash since it is easier to send.

“The evacuees need food, drinking water, toiletries, hygiene kits, medical supplies, diapers, sleeping mats, face masks, mosquito nets and blankets,” he said.

Used clothing are not necessary since the majority of the evacuees had enough time to bring most of their belongings, he added.

Donors could bring their donations to their nearest parish church or to the SAC office at the Bishop’s House in Bacolod City, he said.#