Bishop appeals for aid after Mount Kanlaon eruption displaces thousands in the Philippines

December 16, 2024

A Filipino bishop appealed for aid for the displaced families after the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Dec. 9, which forced more than 87,000 residents to evacuate their homes. 

The active volcano, located on Negros Island in the central Philippines, spewed scorching ash, debris, and rocks, affecting communities on its southeast flank.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, one of the areas impacted by the disaster, called for solidarity and tangible assistance for those forced to flee. 

“We want to accompany our prayers with concrete help,” he said, urging donations of essential goods such as drinking water, food parcels, and medicines.

In a message, Bishop Alminaza, who is Vice President of Caritas Philippines, emphasized that such crises present an opportunity to demonstrate faith and care for others. 

“Difficult times can indeed be the best times to witness our faith, show our love for one another, and affirm our mission to truly care for our common home,” he said.

The diocese also released a collective prayer, acknowledging human negligence in environmental stewardship. 

“We confess our sins against you and against Your creation. We have not been good guardians of nature. Nature suffers from our injustice and indifference. Typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters are occurring in increasing numbers and intensity. Let us pray and invoke the protection of the Most High,” the statement read.

Caritas organizations in the Diocese of San Carlos and neighboring dioceses have mobilized to deliver aid to the displaced communities. 

The local Caritas office published an appeal for donations, asking for support “in the spirit of Christian charity, as Christmas is just around the corner.”

While the government has pledged support and is working to provide temporary shelter for evacuees, the Church’s role has been pivotal in galvanizing community support. 

Bishop Alminaza’s appeal has reinforced the diocese’s commitment to addressing both the immediate needs of affected families and the deeper call for care for creation.

Mount Kanlaon, one of the Philippines’ 24 active volcanoes, has erupted over 40 times since 1866. Located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is prone to volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters. 

Related Articles

Sablayan town declares 100% RE by 2030, signs MOU with PMCJ

Sablayan town declares 100% RE by 2030, signs MOU with PMCJ

Municipality of Sablayan made a declaration to transition its electric power source to clean, green renewables—an effort to help drive the tripling target of global renewables in 2030. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed today, January 20, in the presence...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pin It on Pinterest

Sablayan town declares 100% RE by 2030, signs MOU with PMCJ
Marihangin residents voice concerns over armed guards and alleged ecotourism project
Rights groups demand release of development workers accused of ‘financing terrorism’ in central Philippines
Philippine diocese demands government action on ancestral land rights
2025: Landmark year for Catholic-led climate action
Sablayan town declares 100% RE by 2030, signs MOU with PMCJ
Rights groups demand release of development workers accused of ‘financing terrorism’ in central Philippines
Philippine diocese demands government action on ancestral land rights
Share This