Philippines helps Pakistan flood victims

(September 13, 2010) Poor infrastructure compounded the damage from Pakistan’s recent devastating floods, according to apostolic nuncio Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana to Pakistan, who added that the situation resembled that in the Philippines. Archbishop Yllana, a native of the Philippines, told Ucanews that human neglect was to blame for 80 percent of the destruction caused by the floods. “They wanted to build dams but the infrastructure was weak and it was washed away. We see some similarities with the Filipino experience,” he said, as he expressed gratitude to the Filipino people for aiding the country’s flood victims. “I’m happy with the response from the Philippines knowing the economic difficulties they too are facing,” said Archbishop Yllana. “The Filipino bishops are channeling aid through Caritas and some parishes. One or two gave me checks which I will transfer to bishops in Pakistan,” he said. Earlier this month, Anila Gil of Caritas Pakistan visited the Philippines to personally appeal for help. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines launched a campaign for the flood victims following Gil’s visit. “We need your support so that we can save more lives in Pakistan. We need to get our aid to them very quickly if we are to avoid a health crisis,” said Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Caritas Filipinas national director.