Two months after Typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues its humanitarian response in the southern island of Mindanao.
Emergency relief supplies and food commodities have recently been delivered to Agusan del Sur and hygiene kits to Boston, Davao Oriental.
Congregational leaders and Mormon Helping Hands volunteers from Trento Philippines District (Diocese) distributed the much needed supplies to families from Barangays Sabang Adgawan, Lapaz and Agusan del Sur (part of Agusan Marsh).
On board a truck for 2 ½ hours, volunteers traveled through rough and muddy roads taking with them goods and supplies packed days before by another set of volunteers. They were met by Barangay Captain Olivia Boiser Calimpusan who accompanied them going to Barangay Sabang Adgawan. Another hour by pump boat brought the volunteers through marshlands and finally into the midst of families who anxiously waited for the supplies.
Boats were the only means of transportation since the Barangays were underwater. Even children as young as four years old paddled their way to the distribution area. They were trained on how to use the boats since the barangays are underwater for most parts of the year.
“Reaching people in difficult places is challenging. I'm very glad that the volunteers were brave enough to wade in the water and bear the long travel. We have nothing to give in return except our appreciation for the Church and its members. We will never forget this,” said Barangay Captain Calimpusan who assisted in the distribution of food kits to more than 500 families.
In Bislig, volunteers participated in packing, loading and distributing hygiene kits to benefit another 500 families in Boston, Davao Oriental. “We don’t have a single penny to help the victims but we are willing to donate our time for them,” said one volunteer.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
For this particular project, 79 Mormon Helping Hands volunteers provided more than 700 man-hours of service which benefited 1000 families.
The emergency response efforts and other humanitarian services of the Church are provided in accordance with Christian principles of caring and concern for others.
Humanitarian efforts are financially supported through the voluntary contributions of Church members who fast one day each month and donate at least the value of the meals missed. Donations from friends of the Church also support emergency relief and other humanitarian programs.