Church Launches Major Farming Assistance Project for Typhoon-Affected Farmers

To help recover from last year’s super typhoon, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has begun distributing fertilizers, soil enhancers, and other farming support products to more than 3,400 Filipino farmers from several provinces in Luzon and Visayas.

In coordination with national and local government agencies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and several non-profit organizations, the Church held a kickoff event on July 10, 2024, at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag City.

The Laoag distribution marks the first of over a dozen planned events in the coming weeks. Over 700 farmers from various towns in Ilocos Norte received their farming assistance packs and met with local agricultural public servants for further assistance. Distribution events will also be held in at least a dozen more provinces, including Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Zambales, and Negros Occidental.

These farmers and their families were severely affected by last year's Super Typhoon Egay, which devastated more than PHP 660 million (US$ 11.3 million) worth of crops, other agricultural produce, equipment, and infrastructure. With the rising cost of fertilizers in the Philippines, many farmers need immediate assistance to recover their losses and support their families.

Ferdin, a 42-year-old farmer from Solsona, Ilocos Norte, admitted that he was surprised to learn that more donations were headed his way after he had lost hope when his two-acre crop (an estimated 200 sacks of rice) was destroyed by the typhoon last year. “This will help me and my family greatly as it will lessen the cost needed for us to plant this season,” he said.

Senator Imee R. Marcos, the eldest sister of Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., and several provincial officials attended the event in Laoag City. They joined local Church leaders, including Elder Arlen Tumaliuan from Area Seventy, President Brett Palmer of the Philippines Laoag Mission, and President Aniceto Zabala, First Counselor in the Laoag Philippines Stake Presidency.

In her message, Sen. Marcos expressed her appreciation to the Church and highlighted the swift action of the humanitarian services in supporting Filipino farmers. She noted that the Church's contributions will assist the farmers while they await grants and recovery programs promised by the national government.

Senator Marcos also explained to the audience that the Church has long supported and sponsored many other humanitarian projects and emergency relief aid programs throughout the Philippines to help marginalized Filipinos struggling due to natural disasters, poverty, social unrest, or other causes.

Elder Tumaliuan, in his message, shared that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow the Savior’s example to love and serve one another. He emphasized that the donations were funded by contributions from members who faithfully pay their tithes and offerings.

President Zabala emphasized that donations are ‘blessings from Heaven’ and that the Church's humanitarian services follow God’s teachings of sharing blessings.

"Even though we know it will not sustain every farmer in the province(s), we hope it will alleviate your needs and help you become self-sufficient. This is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ delivers to everyone: we should love and serve one another," President Zabala said.

As part of the program, President Palmer introduced the missionaries of the Laoag Philippines Mission and explained to the audience that they are not only in the area to teach and preach about the Gospel of Jesus Christ but also on a mission to extend a helping hand to those who need it.

The office of Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc also provided manpower to help with the logistics of the donated items, including free delivery to the farms of farmers who cannot transport their shares back to their respective locations.

Non-profit organizations Rice-Up and Sakahon, founded by Elvin Laceda and Elaine Timbol, respectively, handled most of the coordination between the organizers and the farmers, ensuring that the donation from the Church was fully maximized and given to those who were truly in need.

"Seeing these farmers happy to receive these donations makes my heart melt," Elvin shared.

For many years, the Church has been actively involved in humanitarian relief and development activities worldwide. These efforts include emergency relief assistance during disasters and humanitarian programs that strengthen the self-reliance of individuals, families, and communities.

As Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to follow Jesus Christ’s commandment to show love to their neighbors all around the world. For Latter-day Saints, giving charitable and voluntary service is one of the best ways to show love to others. Inspired by scriptural admonitions to love and serve others (James 1:27; Alma 34:27–29), they find different ways to help their brothers and sisters in need.