Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon yesterday called on the faithful to help provide assistance to the thousands of evacuees from the areas near the erupting Mayon volcano in Albay province.

About 84,000 people have been displaced so far, government figures show.

The bishop said he sent a circular letter to all parishes last week exhorting the faithful to respond to the needs of the evacuees by sending their donations through the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod.

The National Secretariat for Social Action of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippine has organized “Simbahan Para saMayon 2018” to answer the needs of those affected by the eruption of Mayon volcano, he said.

“The Diocese of Bacolod is lending its helping hand. In this regard, I have directed our Diocese Social Action Center, through its director, Fr. Chris Gonzales, to organize relief operations, by activating the social action centers in our parishes and chaplaincies for this purpose,” bishop said.

All parishes and chaplaincies are encouraged to give their contributions in cash or kind in support of this relief operation, he said.

He also called for a second collection in all masses on February 4 for the support of the Mayon drive.

The amount will be forwarded to the Diocesan Treasurer's Office that will then remit it to the CBCP-NASSA, he added.

The Diocese Social Action Center is accepting any kind of donation, but they prefer cash as it is easier to send, Gonzales said.

The evacuees need food, drinking water, toiletries, hygiene kits, medical supplies, diapers, sleeping mats, face masks, mosquito nets and blankets, he said.

Used clothing are not necessary as the majority of the evacuees had enough time to bring most of their belongings, he added.

Donors can bring their donations to their nearest parish church or to the SAC office at the Bishop's House in Bacolod City, he said.*CPG

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