Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, lauded community efforts to help those most affected by the pandemic through food banks.
The prelate said efforts to support needy families with food and other basic goods through the “community pantries” exemplified the “true bayanihan spirit” of Filipinos.
“We are happy to know that in recent days, in true ‘bayanihan spirit,’ neighborhoods and communities have organized themselves to help needy families,” he said in a statement.
Bishop Valles then called on parishes and religious communities to carry on their charitable works “even if we are all suffering.”
“Let us again challenge ourselves to continue helping the most needy families in our midst,” said the prelate.
He asked local churches to also bring their attention to communities affected by the recent typhoon that hit parts of the country that he said “compounded the suffering of the people.”
“The love of Christ compels us to act,” Archbishop Valles.
“It is difficult when all of us have to deal with our own difficulties and sufferings, but our faith in Jesus tells us to look first to those who are most in need,” he said.
“I would like to believe that true charity does not stop even when that charity and care come from people who themselves are in great need,” he added.
