Catholic parishes across the Bicol region are opening their doors to families seeking shelter as Severe Tropical Storm Opong nears, dioceses said Thursday.
In Albay, the Diocese of Legazpi said Bishop Joel Baylon has directed parishes to welcome evacuees in churches, chapels, parish halls and other safe facilities.
He also instructed communities to activate Parish Disaster Response Committees in coordination with the Diocesan Commission on Social Concerns and the Social Action Center.
“Our churches are ready to welcome evacuees during Tropical Storm Opong, where facilities are safe,” the statement read.
The diocese urged parishes to ensure that disaster response efforts are organized and that coordination with church and social action offices is maintained.
The diocese also asked the faithful to pray for safety as Bicol braces for the storm’s impact.
The Diocese of Sorsogon likewise urged parishes to act swiftly, calling for the immediate mobilization of parish units under the leadership of its Commission on Service and Caritas.
Bishop Jose Alan Dialogo said facilities such as halls, chapels and schools should be opened as shelters in coordination with local government units.
“The urgency of the present situation calls us to act decisively with the means already at hand,” Dialogo said, stressing that the Church must serve as both “a sanctuary and a service center in this time of trial.”
In Camarines Norte, Bishop Herman Abcede of Daet also appealed for preparedness and solidarity.
He instructed parishes to open their facilities as temporary refuge if there are families in need of shelter and where no other safe evacuation centers are available.
“Let us transform this difficult moment into an opportunity for solidarity and faith,” Abcede said.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Virac in Catanduanes also called on the faithful to unite in prayer as the storm threatens the island province.
Bishop Luisito Occiano, together with the clergy, asked all parishes, religious groups and lay organizations to recite the Oratio Imperata against natural disasters.
“Prayer is our most powerful weapon,” the diocese said. “In these uncertain times, it is crucial that we turn to God and implore His mercy and protection.”
Heavy rains are expected as the storm approaches Eastern Visayas and Bicol.
As of 1 p.m. Thursday, Opong’s center was estimated 300 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 135 kph. It was moving west at 15 kph.
