Archdiocese of Manila launches Sagip Milenyo

The Archdiocese of Manila, through its social arm Caritas Manila, has launched a fund-raising drive to help victims of typhoon Milenyo, which wreaked havoc on the National Capital Region and six other regions.

The "Sagip Milenyo" fund drive, which would be conducted by Caritas Manila in coordination with parishes, church organizations and Catholic media networks, aims to raise funds and resources in cash and kind for the relief and rehabilitation of areas hardest hit by the typhoon.

As of Oct. 3, 2006, the National Disaster Coordinating Council has reported that seven regions, 17 provinces and almost 400,000 families were affected by Milenyo. At least 78 people were killed, 81 injured, 69 missing. The report added that 56,778 houses were totally damaged while 151,664 were partially damaged.

Reports from Radio Veritas 846 and the Catholic Social Action Centers revealed that the hardest hit dioceses were in Sorsogon, Cavite , Laguna and Bicol.

According to Fr. Leo Doloiras, Sorsogon’s social action director, families are in immediate need of food, clothing, shelter, and medicines.

Caritas Manila is hopeful that the fund raiser will receive support from individuals, corporations, and friends overseas. The drive is set to run for as long as necessary.

"Milenyo affected both the rich and poor communities, but we believe that those who have the means will extend their generosity to families who were left with nothing," Caritas Manila executive director Fr. Anton Pascual said. "Nature may have brought a lot of damage, but we know that the goodness in human nature is much more powerful."

Pascual said the faithful can send their donations in cash or in kind to parishes and shrines or to Caritas Manila, located at 2002 Jesus street in Pandacan, Manila. He said they may call 5639311 for further details.

Donations can also be picked up by Caritas Disaster Management Unit, which can be reached through 5639298, 5639306 or [email protected]. — Edu Punay