The onslaught of Super Typhoon Ompong (International name Mangkhut) left families with damaged homes and flooded farmlands. In response to the immediate call for help from the affected families in the Benguet Province, 116 volunteers of the Baguio Philippines Stake (Diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered and repacked 3,000 food kits.
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Through the coordination with Governor Crescencio Pacalso of the Province of Benguet, LDS Charities (LDSC), the humanitarian arm of the Church, identified food as the most urgent need for the affected families.
As a result, LDSC provided 180 sacks (50kg) of long-grain rice, 3,000 packs (500grams) of sugar, 18,000 packs of chocolate drink, 12,000 packs of assorted noodles and 9,000 cans of corned beef, and were delivered to the Church stake center in Baguio for repacking.
Even though most of the Church-member volunteers were affected by the super typhoon, they were still quick to respond to the call from their leaders to assist in the food repacking. Sister Florciele Cabrito, the wife of Baguio Stake President Edison Cabrito, noted of the volunteers’ enthusiasm, optimism, and efficiency while repacking.
“Lahat nagtratrabaho, nagtutulungan kaya naman maaga din natapos ang repacking,” she said. [Everyone was working and helping each other that's why we were able to finish early in the repacking.]
The 3,000 food kits were scheduled to be handed over to the local government unit of the Province of Benguet on 21 September 2018 for distribution.
Members of the Church in other areas, such as in Laoag and Tuguegarao, also performed similar relief efforts to help families in dire need of food and water soon after Typhoon Ompong crossed Northern Luzon.
One of the core purposes of LDS Charities is to relieve suffering, foster self-reliance and provide opportunities for service. Responding to emergencies, especially due to natural disasters, is accomplished through partnerships with local relief organizations, local government units, and local Church leaders.