Palo Archdiocese gives relief aid to Ruby-hit Catbalogan Diocese

CEBU, Philippines - One year can indeed make a difference: Survivors of super typhoon Yolanda last year are now helping those affected by typhoon Ruby, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-NASSA or Caritas Filipinas Foundation.

Members of the Archdiocese of Palo Rehabilitation Unit have distributed relief assistance to those affected by Ruby in Catbalogan City in Samar, the CBCP said in a GMA7 News report.

“This is also our way of paying forward the goodness we have received from everyone who partook in the Yolanda rehabilitation efforts,” PRU program director Father Alcris Badana said.

Last Monday, the group headed by Badana traveled for four hours from Palo, Leyte to reach the San Bartholomew Parish in Catbalogan where about 1,150 Ruby-affected residents received the relief goods.

“The spirit of Alay Kapwa is truly alive not only here but also in all of the 85 dioceses nationwide who are helping those who were affected by typhoon Ruby. While Leyte has been affected as well by this recent typhoon, we make it a point to help also nearby dioceses that are most in need of immediate assistance,” Badana said.

Aside from relief work, he said initial rapid needs assessment on the extent of Ruby’s damage would also be conducted. — From the wires