Caritas Philippines appeals for flood aid

(August 12, 2012) The Catholic Church’s charity arm in the Philippines has appealed for aid to help victims of floods that have devastated much of Manila and neighboring provinces. Father Edu Gariguez, executive secretary of the National Secretariat for Social Action - Caritas, said on Friday his office will use money collected on Palm Sunday to support emergency responses in dioceses affected by flooding. “The initial fund support is intended to augment the financial capacity of dioceses to launch their respective relief operations,” Fr. Gariguez said. “Other dioceses, which have more resources and can fully support their emergency operations, are encouraged to do so,” he said. Fr. Gariguez, however, appealed for more help as dioceses report how they have been affected by the disaster, with several identified as needing immediate assistance. Fr. Gariguez said his office is waiting for those dioceses not affected by the disaster to respond to the appeal for help. About 2.4 million people have been affected.