Manila (Philippines). On 24 July 2024, when the relentless rains of the southwest monsoon and typhoon Carina triggered floods of enormous proportions, inundating homes and even reaching the second floor of the houses, Don Bosco School in Manila of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of St. Mary D. Mazzarello Province (FIL) opened its doors to accommodate 394 residents displaced from Sta. Mesa districts. On 25 July, the President of the Philippines put Metro Manila under state of calamity.
The FMA and lay volunteers have been quick to mobilize to provide primary care services. Hot meals were prepared and distributed to the elderly, adults, young workers, children, and even a five-day-old baby. As the number of evacued persons grew, so did the support of the Educative Community of Don Bosco School. Parents, students, Past Pupils and generous people continued to provide basic necessities such as sacks of rice, canned goods, water, clothing, and blankets. Their constant closeness and generosity were instrumental in aiding the people affected by the flood.
On the morning of 25 July, hot meals continued to be offered as some families struggled to clean up their flood-damaged homes. To ensure the safety of their children, many parents left them at school while they attended to their homes. Amidst the chaos and fear, the FMA also provided first aid medical care to an evacuee who had fallen into a manhole, resulting in multiple bruises.
One father expressed his profound gratitude, “We were lost and terrified in the flood when the Salesian Sisters welcomed us without hesitation. They provided us with a safe haven for my family.”
To address the immediate needs of the affected families, a relief operation has been launched distributing essential supplies to approximately 300 households. Each family received 5 kilograms of rice, 10 canned goods, 5 noodles, clothes, blankets and biscuits.
Recognizing the urgent needs of those whose houses have been completely swept away, some school tarpaulins were distributed as makeshift shelters. The gratitude of the people who had been evacuated was great. Many had lost their belongings, and the distribution of clothing provided much-needed comfort and dignity.
Don Bosco School Manila Educating Community and the Salesian Sisters-Philippines & Papua New Guinea FIL Province remain committed to supporting the affected communities in their recovery journey. Ongoing assessments are being conducted to determine additional needs and plan for future relief initiatives.
