Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the southern coast of Mindanao, Philippines, on June 8 at 7:37 a.m. (local time), at least 62 people are reported to have died, 630 were injured, and 40 remain missing. It was one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in recent decades.
“Thankfully, our assessment shows that the Lasallian community—particularly in Mindanao—is safe. However, the impact on our fellow country persons has been severe,” says Mr. Andyo Roque Abusmas, Deputy Director of the Social Action Unit of the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD)
Operation Uplift
Immediately, “as part of our Lasallian ministry in the Philippines Sector of LEAD, we launched Operation Uplift. Through this initiative, we are collaborating with Diocesan Social Action Centers and organizations that closely match our Lasallian charism,” explains Mr. Andyo.
More specifically, the Deputy Director of the Social Action Unit continues, “we are currently targeting to provide immediate relief food packs (good for three to five days) to 250 heavily affected families”, in various locations.
These relief efforts have been coordinated with the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Marbel, through the parishes of Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Catalina de Alexandria (Sarangani Province); with the Akbayanihan Foundation (Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat); and with the Marist Brothers of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University.
“Those who wish to support our relief efforts may make donate directly through the this link: https://animo.today/marbel ”, encourages Andyo Roque Abusmas.
In addition, the official Facebook page of Tulong Lasalyano provides updates on the progress and impact of this solidarity campaign.
*Article prepared with the support of LEAD. Photos: Diocese of Marbel (Philippines).
