ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Victims and displaced after the typhoon in Cebu. Archbishop Uy: “Corruption mocks the cry of the poor”

Cebu – Typhoon Kalmaegi has claimed more than 90 lives on the island of Cebu and has battered the central Philippines in recent days. It is the twentieth storm to hit the archipelago this season, severely testing the lives of the population and putting rescue efforts to the test. In Cebu province, several munipalities, including Liloan in the greater Cebu area, have been flooded, and “water has also inundated houses and streets in highly urbanized areas,” local civil authorities reported.
Around 400,000 people have been evacuated as a precaution and are now homeless. According to the national weather service, Typhoon Kalmaegi brought heavy rainfall, which Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro described as “unprecedented” and caused “devastating flooding.” The typhoon is now moving west toward Palawan Island, a well-developed tourism destination. The Archbishop of Cebu, Alberto S. Uy, addressed the local Catholic community, urging Catholic homes, churches, and institutions to open their doors to welcome those affected by displacement and hardship. In his address to the faithful, the bishop emphasized that such disasters “reflect what we have done, or failed to do, for our common home.” Referring to the corruption scandal that has rocked the entire country, the Archbishop added: “When public funds are stolen or misused, not only is money lost, but people’s trust, the security of families, and the dignity of the poor are also compromised.” “Corruption is not only a failure of civil society, but a grave offense against God and humanity,” he affirmed, recalling the never-realized “flood control projects” that “are a mockery of the cries of the poor, who suffer most during disasters.” “God,” he continued, “speaks through the wind and the water. He calls us to conversion and renewal. He invites us to rediscover our responsibility as stewards, not exploiters,” he emphasized, urging the faithful to practice “honesty and responsibility.” “may these floods,” he concluded, “awaken in us a deeper ecological and moral conversion. May they remind us that caring for the environment and promoting integrity in governance are acts of faith, justice, and love.” The island of Cebu had already been struck by an earthquake in early October that claimed over 70 lives, displaced more than 20,000 residents, and severely damaged historic churches, nursing homes, schools, and public facilities. At that time, the local church immediately launched an emergency relief effort with the appeal “Give Hope,” which is now being renewed and relaunched to encourage solidarity with those displaced by the typhoon.

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