Churches in Bicol open doors to possible 'Pepito' evacuees

MANILA – Bishops in the Bicol region are opening their churches to possible evacuees of Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi)

The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD-5) on Saturday reported that 491,047 individuals or 137,726 families from the six provinces moved to evacuation centers as Pepito continues to threaten the Bicol Region.

"We pray to the heavenly Father that we may be spared from typhoon Pepito and from adverse or ill-effects of the typhoon. We beg for courage, strength and greater trust in the Lord as we face the threat of the typhoon," Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon said in a message to church-run Radio Veritas.

"We especially pray for our vulnerable brothers and sisters. We pray for ourselves that we may continue to seek to help one another, especially in these difficult times, when we experience overlapping typhoons," the archbishop added.

At the same time, Alarcon is praying for the intercession of the Lord through the Blessed Virgin of Peñafrancia so that the people would be safe from the ravages of Pepito.

"We ask for the prayers and motherly protection of Ina, Our Lady of Penafrancia. I hope we will be diverted from danger, give us strength, unwavering faith in God in the face of trials; helping and caring for each other in in the midst of fears; hope for God's mercy and protection," he added.

Sorsogon Bishop Jose Alan Dialogo ordered the opening of all churches in the diocese as a temporary shelter for those displaced by the typhoon.

According to Caritas Sorsogon executive director, Fr. Ruel Lasay, the order was issued to ensure the safety of families displaced from areas prone to landslides and flooding.

In addition, 1,500 prepositioned goods are ready to be distributed by the social arm of the Diocese of Sorsogon to the affected families.

"All the churches here in Sorsogon have been opened by our dear bishop so that we can welcome those who are most in need. And because of that, we continue to try to meet the needs of our countrymen, especially the vulnerable and affected by this storm," he said in an interview with Radio Veritas.

Bayombong Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao, on the other hand, asked for prayers that the faith and hope of the Filipino people would deepen even more in facing the challenge brought by disasters.

He said he would pray for the stability and safety of all to rise again from the trials, and continue to trust in the will of God.

Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian, development, and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), has activated its emergency protocols as Typhoon Pepito approaches the country.

"As Typhoon Pepito approaches, let us prioritize safety and prepare for its potential impact. Caritas Philippines is ready to extend our hands to those in need. Let us open our hearts and share whatever we can to uplift those who will be most affected. Together, we can bring comfort, hope, and strength to one another. Let's go all out and be ready. All hands on board tayo," said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines in a statement.

The Bicol Region, still reeling from the damage of Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami), will be among the areas on the path of Pepito, expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Catanduanes on Saturday night or early morning of Sunday.

Through its flagship solidarity program Alay Kapwa (Offering to Others), which has served as the Church's disaster response and poverty alleviation initiative for over five decades, Caritas Philippines is mobilizing resources for emergency preparedness. Diocesan social action centers across the potentially affected regions are coordinating with local government units for disaster preparedness and response.

"Our emergency response mechanisms are activated and our diocesan networks are ready. We call on our Alay Kapwa partners and donors to help us prepare for the humanitarian needs of communities in Pepito's projected path," he added. (PNA)