In response to the needs of residents affected by the recent eruption of Taal Volcano, the Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry of the Order of Carmelites in the Philippines today conducted a Damages, Needs, and Capacity Assessment in some of the affected areas in the province. Fr. Gilbert Billena, O.Carm. revealed that this is in preparation for the planned January 30 medical mission in one of the affected places. The Order will be bringing volunteer doctors and allied health professionals from St. Anastacia Parish of New Jersey, USA, and volunteers from Sagrada Familia Parish and San Isidro Labrador Parish in Brgy. Bagong Silangan, Quezon City. “Many places in Batangas are still closed and even those places that are far from the identified danger zones are deeply affected with economic activities on a stand still,” said Fr. Billena. He said that this environmental crisis has inspired the generosity from many groups and individuals, however, he adds that although relief efforts to address the immediate needs of the victims are commendable and the response overwhelming, the bulk of the work would be on the rehabilitation of the affected areas, which needs the support of all. “We will make an effort to be with the Batangueños in their rehabilitation efforts, but we also need the support of everyone,” he said. The Order will also be participating in several other church-based relief efforts like the Damayang Simbahan sa Panahon ng Disaster (DAMBANA) and the Southern Tagalog Regional Ecumenical Movement (STREAM). “As of the moment, we are still appealing for more donations from kind hearted individuals who could share their extras for our affected brothers and sisters in Batangas,” he said, adding that the needs continue to be very basic like rice, sardines, dried fish, cooking oil, water, bath soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sleeping mats, blankets, and others. Donations can be sent to the Provincial Office of the Order of Carmelites at 26 Acacia St., Barangay Mariana, New Manila, 1109 Quezon City.
For donation inquiries, Fr. Billena can be contacted through his mobile at 09363249618. The project is a concerted effort of St. Anastacia Parish (NJ, USA), Sagrada Familia Parish (Bagong Silangan, Q.C.), San Isidro Labrador Parish (Bagong Silangan, Q.C.), Sacred Heart Parish (San Francisco, Agusan del Sur), Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Q.C., the Carmelite Development Office, and the Third Order Carmelites in the Philippines. (By Br. Ritche Salgado, O.Carm.)