A Catholic foundation in Quezon City, a major suburb northeast of the Philippine capital Manila, is currently sheltering 700 people displaced by days of heavy monsoon rains intensified by a tropical depression.
“We are trying to help as many displaced persons as possible. We are able to provide some assistance but many are still in need of help. We encourage everyone, who are able and has the capacity, to extend aid to those who are vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis,” said Father Geowen Porcincula, executive director of the Vincentian Foundation.
The Foundation’s Bamboo Housing Community opened its covered court and multipurpose hall on July 21 to accommodate evacuees from low-lying areas of Barangay Bagong Silangan, one of the most flood-prone communities in Quezon City.
Initially hosting 650 individuals, the shelter reached full capacity at 700 people from 200 families by Tuesday morning.
The mass evacuation comes as Tropical Depression Dante—the fourth tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year—continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat.
While Dante is not expected to make landfall, it has triggered intense rainfall and strong winds across Luzon, including Metro Manila. The state weather bureau PAGASA has issued warnings for possible floods and landslides through at least July 24.
Local authorities supplied floor mats to evacuees, while community partners stepped in to address immediate needs. Food Hub merchants and Marcelo Cups provided meals, and the Ladies Foundation of Quezon City District 2 delivered hot rice porridge (lugaw) for 200 individuals. Volunteers from the Kawayan Community helped with registration and facility upkeep.
Relief supplies also came from the Jesuit-led Tanging Yaman Foundation, which donated 12 sacks of rice, four boxes of canned corned beef, and a range of vegetables including squash, okra, potatoes, corn, and leafy greens.
As of 6:00 PM Tuesday, the Vincentian Foundation reported receiving ₱10,000 (approximately USD 170) in cash donations and ₱55,670 (around USD 940) worth of in-kind contributions, from a total of 12 donors—seven individuals and five groups.
Despite the outpouring of support, Fr. Porcincula said many needs remain unmet. The foundation is urgently seeking lunch provisions for all evacuees, as well as essential supplies such as rice, canned goods, toiletries, and diapers for infants and adults.
Donations may be delivered directly to St. Vincent Seminary on Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City. Financial support is also accepted through the Vincentian Foundation’s official channels.
With weather conditions expected to worsen in the coming days, the foundation is continuing its relief work amid growing demand. “Our work is far from over, but the spirit of bayanihan—communal unity—is what sustains us,” Fr. Porcincula said.
