MANILA (June 10) — The head of the Catholic Church in the Philippines has called on dioceses nationwide to conduct a special collection to help fund relief and rehabilitation efforts for communities devastated by the powerful earthquake that struck Mindanao.
Gilbert Garcera, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), urged bishops across the country to authorize a second collection during all Sunday Masses on June 14, with proceeds earmarked for earthquake response operations.
The funds will be coursed through diocesan social action centers and Caritas Philippines to support emergency assistance, recovery programs, and rehabilitation projects in affected areas.
“We grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured, and stand in spiritual communion with all those who have been displaced from their homes and livelihoods,” Garcera said in a statement issued Tuesday.
He also offered prayers for rescue workers, medical personnel, government agencies, and volunteers involved in ongoing response efforts.
“In moments such as these, we are reminded that the Church is called to be a sign of hope and a witness of charity,” he said. “As one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters.”
Aside from the special collection, Garcera encouraged churches, Catholic schools, religious congregations, and other church institutions to include special intentions during the Prayer of the Faithful in all Masses for earthquake victims and those involved in rescue and recovery operations.
In Roman Catholic tradition, a second collection is usually taken after Communion and is separate from the offertory collection. Such collections are commonly designated for charitable causes, disaster response, and special church missions.
The appeal comes as communities across Mindanao continue to recover from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the island on June 8, causing widespread damage to homes, schools, churches, government facilities, and other infrastructure.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, at least 37 people have died, 479 have been injured, and four remain missing as authorities continue search, rescue, and assessment operations.
The CBCP’s nationwide fundraising drive is expected to mobilize support from millions of Filipino Catholics, adding to the growing humanitarian response from government agencies, civil society organizations, religious groups, and international partners assisting communities affected by the disaster.
