Cebu – Relief efforts continue tirelessly, and the Caritas network is providing assistance to an increasing number of displaced and isolated people following the earthquake that struck the north of Cebu Island 15 days ago. “Even if the physical structures have collapsed, the spirit of solidarity and faith among Cebuans remains strong. Thanks to the close collaboration between the archdiocese, the local government, and civil society partners, the population of northern Cebu is slowly recovering from this tragedy,” Albert Uy, Archbishop of Cebu told Fides. “The road to full recovery is still long,” he emphasizes, “but with faith, compassion, and united action, we believe God will lead us from the rubble to renewal. The Archdiocese of Cebu remains faithful to its mission of bringing hope, rebuilding lives, and restoring dignity to all earthquake survivors, proving once again that the Church is not just a building, but a family of faith that stands firm even amidst the rubble.”
After the earthquake, which claimed over 70 lives, left more than 20,000 residents homeless, and severely damaged historic churches, nursing homes, schools, and public facilities, the local Church, through Caritas, parishes, and religious orders, immediately launched an emergency relief effort called “Hatag Paglaum,” or “Giving Hope.”
The archbishop reports: “We initially conducted on-site visits, primarily pastoral visits, to offer comfort and then organize humanitarian assistance in the affected communities. We met with local officials, priests, and residents to assess the situation and listen to the stories of those suffering and now in the process of rebuilding their lives, starting with their homes.” The archbishop, who also visited the site in person, reports that he has seen “damage in some residential areas, especially in the central areas.” “Many families continue to live outdoors and in temporary shelters, fearing further collapses due to aftershocks,” he emphasizes. Following the deployment of law enforcement and rescue workers, “the main roads leading to the affected cities are now generally passable, facilitating the distribution of relief supplies and the mobility of rescue teams.” And despite the ongoing fear and uncertainty, normality is gradually returning: “Public markets, banks, and financial service providers have reopened. Small vendors have resumed operations and are using makeshift stalls or open spaces as temporary workspaces. This is a good sign for reconstruction,” notes Archbishop Uy. “Soon after,” he says, “many parishes in the archdiocese organized relief efforts, collecting food packages, water, rice, hygiene items, and clothing, which were distributed in the most affected areas.” “We launched the ‘Adopt a Parish’ campaign, which brought together the less affected parishes of Cebu City and South Cebu with the devastated parishes in the north to ensure continuous support, accompaniment, and a spirit of ecclesial communion,” he reports. In addition, “priests, seminarians, and lay volunteers participated in the preparation and transportation of relief supplies, assisted by the Diocesan Social Welfare Commission. Youth centers and students have also done the same.” In addition to providing material assistance, the priests of the affected parishes continued to celebrate the Eucharist, hear confessions, and pray with the people “to offer them comfort, strength, and unity,” the archbishop said. “They listen to the survivors, bless the communities, and assure them of the Church’s continued presence and compassion,” he emphasized. “Despite the difficulties, the people’s faith and hope in a loving God remain strong, a true reflection of the resilience of the Cebuanos rooted in faith.” Church facilities were also damaged in the earthquake: “Five old historic churches, precious symbols of faith and culture, along with several smaller and more modern parish churches, suffered severe structural damage. Cracks, collapsed walls, and toppled bell towers have rendered many of these sacred sites unsafe for worship,” the archbishop reported. But “even in the face of these losses, the people’s faith remains steadfast.” “The parishes have set up temporary chapels and tents where Masses, liturgies and outdoor gatherings are celebrated. “The sight of the faithful praying under sun and rain, surrounded by the ruins of their churches, is both heartbreaking and deeply inspiring: a living testimony that while stone temples may collapse, the Church of living faith endures,” said the archbishop.
Archbishop Albert Uy, who turns 59 on October 18, has announced that he will travel to the earthquake-affected areas to celebrate his birthday with the displaced. He also urges the faithful to continue praying and providing assistance to the victims.
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