Philippines: Archbishop Uy of quake-hit Cebu appeals for aid and solidarity

Cebu Archbishop Alberto S. Uy appealed to the public for aid following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the island province on September 30. 

 He urged the faithful to respond with prayer, visitation, and material support, and instructed parishes to begin organizing fund drives and in-kind donations for affected communities. 

In a video message posted on the archdiocese's Facebook page, Uy said in Cebuano: “As your bishop here in Cebu, I appeal to everyone to help in whatever way we can for the safety and well-being of our earthquake survivors.” 

“Brothers and sisters, I earnestly ask you, especially those in our parishes, I have already instructed the parish priests and parish moderators to begin organizing fundraisers or collect any form of assistance we can extend to the earthquake victims here in Cebu.” 

In the video, Uy is seen standing in front of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sta. Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, where the century-old church suffered extensive damage from the quake. 

“This is the shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima, and one thing we are grateful for here is that no lives were lost,” he said. “Because in other parts of Cebu, I am saddened that many have died. But here in this place, it is our church that suffered the most damage.” 

The prelate personally visited damaged parishes and comforted grieving families, offering prayers and listening to survivors’ stories. He extended his condolences to those who lost loved ones and called for unwavering solidarity, encouraging people across the archdiocese to join the aid efforts with generosity and compassion. 

Meanwhile, the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center on Wednesday appealed for blood donations to help treat victims of the earthquake. In a social media post, the government-run hospital in Cebu City said it had admitted 45 patients as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, including those with multiple fractures and spinal cord and brain injuries. 

The earthquake, which has so far claimed at least 72 lives and injured more than 290 others, prompted the provincial government to declare a state of calamity across Cebu. 

“Let’s start an initiative, ‘Adopt a Parish,’” Uy said. “Those parishes in the cities and in areas that were not affected can adopt one of the parishes that were. In this way, we can begin our campaign for aid, and we will let you know which parishes you may adopt. So that as early as possible, we can deliver help and assistance to the earthquake victims.” 

(Oliver Samson is a freelance writer based in the Philippines. He contributes regularly to reputed Catholic magazines and platforms both in the country and abroad.)