Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos has urged Filipinos to come together in solidarity to assist those affected by the December 9 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island, emphasizing the importance of compassion and mutual support in times of crisis.
The bishop expressed prayers for the safety of communities near the volcano and for the rescue teams currently aiding evacuees. He emphasized the importance of steadfast faith in God as a source of strength and guidance in facing this natural calamity.
Bishop Santos also shared a heartfelt prayer for protection against the volcanic eruption, invoking God's refuge and strength:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Dear Lord Jesus Christ, our merciful Savior and good Shepherd, we come before You today with hearts full of concern and hope as we witness the recent volcanic eruption." the prayer stated.
The prayer calls on the Lord to shield affected residents, guide rescue workers, and protect the environment from further harm.
It also encourages communities to come together in faith and resilience during these trying times.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised the alert status of Kanlaon Volcano to Alert Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest), indicating increased activity and potential hazards.
This escalation prompted the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to launch immediate evacuation efforts for approximately 54,000 residents within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Priority areas for evacuation include La Castellana in Negros Occidental and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
Meanwhile, the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish-Shrine in La Castellana has extended help to over 2,000 evacuees from Barangay Mansalanao, which lies within the danger zone. The parish has called for further assistance to sustain its ongoing relief efforts.
The eruption reminds people of the interconnectedness of faith and action. Bishop Santos' call for unity underscores the vital role of communities and institutions in providing aid and hope during crises.
As the affected areas grapple with displacement and uncertainty, the collective strength of the Church, local governments, and communities will be instrumental in overcoming the challenges posed by nature's powerful forces.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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