Caritas Manila gives aid to thousands of families affected by typhoon

CARITAS Manila has given relief aid to at least 90,212 families in Manila archdiocese and nearby provinces in the wake of devastation caused by Typhoon Ondoy that left hundreds of fatalities and thousands of families homeless.

A report from Caritas Manila said a total of 90,212 affected families have been given relief aid through Caritas Manila’s Crisis and Disaster Program.

Nearly 200,000 poor families within Metro Manila and nearby provinces have been identified by Caritas Church network as “priority families” that needed immediate relief assistance.

A network of parishes, priests, social action centers, schools and volunteers are helping Caritas in bringing aid directly to affected areas and families.

Caritas Executive Director Fr. Anton Pascual said Caritas is delivering “quality relief goods” to typhoon victims.

“This is what we want to make sure. Because we want our brothers and sisters to feel some comfort to ease their pain and suffering when they receive the relief goods,” he said.

A standard relief pack of Caritas Manila contains 5 kg of rice, 4 cans of pork and beans, 1 kg of brown sugar, 5 cans of sardines, 2 pcs. 500ml bottled water, 1 350ml cooking oil and 5 cans of meat loaf.

Caritas has assisted affected families in the Archdiocese of Manila, particularly the districts of Manila, Makati, San Juan, Pasay and Mandaluyong, and in the Dioceses of Pasig, Kalookan, Cubao, Novaliches, Malolos, San Pablo, Paranaque, Antipolo and Imus.

Caritas Manila and Radio Veritas have jointly launched a fundraising activity to raise funds for the victims.

As of October 9 Caritas and Radio Veritas joint effort has raised more than P27.7 million in donations both cash and in kind.

The amount collected may still increase as more donations from parishes and various donors continue to pour in following Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales’ call for all parishes to help.