MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES — The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) promptly conducted a series humanitarian relief efforts in the southern part of the Philippine archipelago recently affected by a series of strong quakes.
Dubbed as Aid to Humanity, it was held in response to a series of strong tremors that rocked Mindanao, the strongest of which had a magnitude of 6.6, closely followed by a magnitude 6.5 quake.
This series of quakes had affected more than 54,000 families and has killed 24 persons, according to the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (Philippine News Agency, November 11, 2019, 10:56 am).
The INC sent aid to the quake affected areas just two days after the latest strong quake to hit Mindanao last October 31.
The INC conducted its Aid to Humanity from November 2 to 5, through the Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, and distributed relief packages to thousands of residents in 14 locations.
One of these Aid to Humanity events in Mindanao was witnessed by Senator Francis Tolentino who was at Makilala Evacuation Center in Cotabato province on Nov. 3, giving out tents and coordinating with mayors.
He thanked the INC “for the immediate aid for the citizens in Makilala” and complimented that the INC effort was “able to ease a bit some of the burdens of the government.”
Tolentino noted that while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was still making estimates or assessments, the INC “was first to come and help” and was “able to provide prompt solution to the hardships of fellow citizens.”
He commended the activity by suggesting to other non-government organizations to “imitate the steps shown by the members of the INC.” He said the INC Aid to Humanity events were “not selective, but instead are helping all people.”
Those who received the INC’s relief packages expressed their gratitude for the timely assistance of the Church. “I am thankful that the aid coming from the INC is able reach us, even in a remote place like this,” remarked Mr. Datu Umpan, the village leader of Balabag, Kidapawan City.
The INC Aid to Humanity helps people in need, not only in the Philippines, but in other countries as well. In this year alone, 2019, the Aid To Humanity has helped thousands of people in many cities or provinces in Canada, the United States, India, and in Africa apart from the Worldwide Aid To Humanity event held on October 31 with the main site at the Philippine Arena.
Want to help Mindanao earthquake survivors?
Department of Social Welfare and Development / Contact +63 2 931-8101 to 07 / inquiry@dswd.gov.ph
Office of Civil Defense and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center / Contact +63 917-8275743 or +63 917-647320 /
Philippine Red Cross / Contact +63 2 790 2300 /communication@redcross.org.ph
CARE Philippines / Contact +63 2 351-6458 / carephl.info@care.org
Center for Disaster Preparedness / Contact (02) 508 3633/(02) 361 2243 / inquire@cdp.org.ph
Save the Children / Contact (02) 8853-2142, or send a fax message on (02) 8853-0216 /
Balay Mindanaw / Contact +63 8822 738376, 738402 I Tele /Fax +63 8822 735946 / balaymindanaw@gmail.com
To know more about the Church Of Christ and its activities, please visit www.testincnet.inctrg.io
