The social action arm of the Philippine Catholic Church will soon begin its recovery initiative, pledging to help families severely affected by super typhoon Odette (Rai), especially those in the “peripheries.”
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said Caritas Philippines is trying its best to support affected families rebuild their houses and livelihoods.
“In the coming weeks, we will start rebuilding houses, providing emergency livelihood assistance and other priority needs,” said Bishop Bagaforo.
He encouraged the faithful to continue the “alay kapwa” (offering of oneself to others) to help those in the fringes of society.
“This our Caritas promise,” said the bishop.
As of January 3, Caritas has received at least PhP39.9 million cash donations from private individuals, dioceses, companies, and its partners from the Caritas network.
The agency has served more than 41,900 families with food packs, water and other emergency assistance as of December 31.
According to its initial assessment, the typhoon affected about 1.1 million families and displaced more than 452,000 people.
The disaster also destroyed more than half-a-million houses in at least 38 provinces.
