MSC Typhoon Odette Mission Response

I. RELIEF OPERATION IN SURIGAO PROVINCE

Right after the typhoon hit the country, the MSC Philippine Province through MSC Center for the Poor (MSC-CFP) responded to the need of the affected communities right away. The MSC-CFP organized a relief operation project that aimed to distribute immediate needs such as food, water, medicine and clothing to the affected families in the areas of Mainit, Tubod, Surigao City and its island communities. More than 2,800 relief packs were distributed to the affected families.

II. RELIEF OPERATION IN GUILOTUNGAN IS., CORDOVA, CEBU

The MSC also conducted a relief operation through its Mission Office in one of the most affected communities in Cebu (Guilutongan Island, Cordova). According to the report, ninety percent (90%) of the houses in the community were totally damaged and the people in the community greatly needs assistance. Fifty (50) sacks of rice and 600 gallons of water were distributed to all 500 affected families in the island community.

III. RICE DISTRIBUTION IN MSC CEBU DISTRICT PARISHES

The MSC Philippine Province granted the rice distribution program in five (5) parishes in MSC Cebu District (VDR Shrine, Pusok Parish, Babag Parish, Marigondon Parish and Cordova Parish). Through the help of the Mission Office team, the rice distribution was successfully distributed to the affected parish communities. A total of 500 sacks of rice, 100 per parish, was granted for the project. Around 5,000 families benefited the program.

IV. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE AFFECTED FAMILIES OF MSC PRIEST, FORMANDS AND WORKERS

This project aimed to give financial assistance to the families of the MSCs (priests and formands) and their workers who were greatly affected by the typhoon. The assistance was being used to rebuild the homes of the affected beneficiaries. A total of 20 MSCs and 129 workers benefited the project.

V. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE AFFECTED PARISHES/ CHURCHES

The MSC also helped the MSC parishes that were badly affected by the Typhoon Odette. The assistance was given to the 3 parishes in Cebu and 4 parishes/ communities in Surigao. In addition, the MSC also donated cash assistance of Php10,000.00 to 3 Diocesan Parishes that were also devastated by the typhoon (Leyte, Dinagat Island and Malimono, Surigao).