April 3, 2023. According to the 2022 World Risk Report, the Philippines holds the highest disaster risk worldwide, due to the country’s vulnerability, lack of coping capabilities, and adaptive capacities1. Coupled with the natural deterioration of infrastructure, it is no surprise that every year churches are destroyed by torrential rain, violent wind, storm surges, and massive floods brought by typhoons. Without a place of refuge, typhoon victims are left to celebrate masses under makeshift tents. Tarps held up by tree branches are used as a roof, plastic chairs replace wooden pews, and a table with a linen cloth for an altar. Under these conditions, the prevalence of mental health issues and feelings of despair and hopelessness also increase.
Various bishops and priests have sought ANCOP Canada for support in the rehabilitation of their churches. This is where the Rebuild My Church campaign comes in.
The “Rebuild My Church” campaign is our current humanitarian relief program that aims to repair chapels and churches – restoring not just their physical structures, but the hope within these parish communities as well.
Current initiatives completed by ANCOP Manila include the restoration of the Hinakpan Chapel (pictured above) in Negros Occidental and the Lungaon Chapel in Palawan. There are also other initiatives for chapels in Ifugao and Dinagat Island.
ANCOP Canada’s goal is to raise 400 000$ for the Rebuild my Church campaign. Funding towards this goal directly supports the labor and materials needed for this project, such as roofing, cement, steel works, and paint as well as the construction of the altar and nave of the chapel (mass area).
To support ANCOP Canada’s “Rebuild My Church” humanitarian relief program click here!
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1World Risk Report 2022. Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft, Ruhr University Bochum – Institute for International Law of Peace and Conflict 2022. https://weltrisikobericht.de/weltrisikobericht-2022-e.