Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Each year our country is visited by an average of 20 typhoons, which makes us one of the most disaster-prone places on earth. This has consistently challenged our limited capacities and resources. At the same time, this has tested our strength and courage to face up to these trials as communities and as a people.
At the onset of Holy Week, we witnessed the destruction wrought by tropical storm Agaton to both life and property. Among the hardest hit places was the island of Leyte, particularly the municipality of Abuyog and Baybay City. Landslides covered practically entire villages and settlements, causing untold suffering and misery to the populace.
The death toll continues to rise and to this day, several others remain missing and unaccounted for.
We can only imagine the pain and agony of the families who have lost their loved ones, not to mention the loss of their property. Let us not forget that these areas also bore the brunt of super typhoon Odette in December 2021 and have barely started to recover.
As the social action arm of the Archdiocese of Cebu, Cebu Caritas is one with you in your suffering. We commiserate with you in these trying times, since we too have experienced destructive storms like super typhoon Odette which wrecked large parts of the island of Cebu, resulting to multiple deaths and leaving thousands homeless.
Cebu Caritas also expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and also its filial support to the affected communities which until now are still struggling to cope with lack of food and loss of livelihood. We realize how difficult the path to full recovery is. Yet, as children of Easter and firm believers in the Lord of the Resurrection, we remain steadfast and strong in our resolve that all of us shall rise again after these storms.
May our celebration of Easter bring hope to all of you!
One with you in the Risen Lord,
(SGD.) REV. FR. ALEX K. COLA, JR.
President, Cebu Caritas, Inc.
Chairman, Commission on Service
Cebu Caritas Inc. is the mandated social action arm of the Archdiocese of Cebu. It serves the Anawim through its Humanitarian, Developmental, and Justice and Peace programs.