The Catholic Church has mobilized its parishes and institutions across Metro Manila and the Bicol Region to serve as temporary shelters for those displaced by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong), which continues to unleash heavy rains and powerful winds across Luzon.
In separate announcements on Sunday, the Archdiocese of Manila, Archdiocese of Caceres, Diocese of Kalookan, and Diocese of Virac directed all parishes, schools, and church facilities under their jurisdictions to open their doors to evacuees.
“The Archdiocese of Caceres encourages everyone to prepare for Super Typhoon Uwan with prudence, calmness and a spirit of prayer. We are called to walk together in mutual care. This is a time for co-responsibility,” the Carceres archdiocese said in a statement.
In Catanduanes, one of the areas first hit by the super typhoon, the Diocese of Virac instructed priests to open parish churches to provide safe and prayerful refuge for families seeking shelter.
“This initiative aims to offer warmth, prayer and hope to evacuees during the storm,” the diocese said.
The Bicol Region remained under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5, while Metro Manila has been placed under Signal No. 3, according to the latest advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In the capital, the Archdiocese of Manila called on schools, churches and institutions with available safe spaces to welcome those seeking refuge from Uwan’s impact.
Similarly, the Diocese of Kalookan urged its parishes to open their facilities, saying, “in times of rain and fear, let us trust in God, who always cares for His people.”
Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, announced that it is closely monitoring the situation and has begun coordinating with diocesan social action centers for emergency response efforts.
“Let us remain alert, prepared and follow the advisories of local government authorities,” Caritas Philippines said.
