This storm swept across metro Manila and parts of Central Luzon on Saturday, September 26, 2009, bringing a month's worth of rain in just 12 hours. Reports from PC(USA) partners indicate that the waters rose so fast that people living in low lying areas were caught unaware and had to stay on the roofs of their houses to avoid being swept away by the floods. At least 140 died from the storm, and more than 450,000 people have been displaced and have sought shelter in schools, churches and other evacuation shelters.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance will work with our partners, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines and with Action by Churches Together to care for the people of the Philippines.
Our gifts make this response possible.
Presbyterian involvement in the Philippines includes:
Mission partnerships
Supporting human rights efforts
Working for the release of Pastor Berlin Guerrero
Being present during the abduction and release of Pastor Edwin Egar
Providing financial support to our partners who endure human rights abuses
Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow, the Office on Asia and the Pacific, and the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program will hold a conversation on the Philippines in San Francisco on October 17. The conversation will feature International Peacemakers the Rev. Joel Tendero and Cobbie Palm.
The picture shows a choir that greeted Presbyterians last February in the Philippines.
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