As we look back at 2025, we have received these powerful photographs from Fr Edwin Borlasa in the MSC Mission Office in the Philippines, documenting the relief aid in four regions following natural disasters earlier in the year.
“In response to a series of devastating natural calamities and fires across August and September, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart through the MSC Mission Office mobilized a comprehensive, four-part relief project providing critical aid to communities in Brgy. 160 Libis Baesa, Caloocan City; Brgy. Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna; and the West Riverside area of Tatalon,” reads the report from the Mission Office in the Philippines.
“In total, 492 families, who had lost their homes and belongings to severe flooding and destructive fires, received essential support.”
The relief operations were carried out throughout August and September in response to several crises that that left hundreds of families displaced from their homes and in urgent need of aid. “These events included widespread flooding from Typhoon Crising, destructive fires, and a severe flash flood from an overflowing creek,” reports the Philippines Mission Office. “The primary objective of the project was to deliver immediate relief, addressing the basic needs of the victims while offering a beacon of hope during their time of immense hardship.”
The first stage of the relief operation was initiated on August 2nd, in Brgy. 160 Libis Baesa, Caloocan City, “delivering aid to 65 beneficiaries who were doubly impacted by severe flooding from Typhoon Crising and a devastating fire that had destroyed their homes”.
No-one left behind
The second stage of the outreach programme took place in the same barangay on August 7th, “providing relief to 77 families who had lost everything in a large fire on the night of August 2, helping them secure essential supplies for the days that followed”.
“Everybody Happy! No One Left Behind!,” posted the Facebook page for the MSC Mission Office Philippines, Inc on August 7th, with pictures of the relief aid in operation.
The third stage was carried out with the help of the TFUC group on August 9th, in Brgy. Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna. “Here, 150 families whose lives had been disrupted by severe flooding caused by Typhoon Crising received critical assistance to help them cope with their losses.”
“Led by our devoted Provincial Superior, Fr. Edwin Borlasa, MSC, and Fr. Ben Roquero, MSC, the mission reached 150 families affected by the recent floods. ,” posted the Facebook page for the MSC Mission Office Philippines, Inc on August 9th. “From our hearts to yours — thank you for being a beacon of hope in these challenging times! 💖”
The fourth and final relief operation was the largest, taking place on September 7th at West Riverside, Tatalon, again with the assistance of the TFUC group. “This crucial mission assisted 200 families after an overflowing creek caused floodwaters to rise to a staggering height of five meters, completely submerging their homes and washing away their possessions,” the Mission Office reports.
Collective compassion and swift action
Through emergency fundraising, local support, and assistance from other MSC Provinces, the MSC Mission Office in the Philippines were able to act instantly to support the hundreds of families and individuals who had found themselves devastated by floods and fires, “significantly alleviating their immediate suffering and providing a foundation for recovery”.
“The missions were met with immense gratitude from the beneficiaries and stand as a powerful testament to the impact of collective compassion and swift action in times of crisis,” write the team in the Philippines.
Once again, we see the tremendous power of compassion and togetherness in action – none of this is possible alone, yet together, our MSCs across the world, encouraged by the support of our benefactors, can continue to change lives and save lives in the most critical situations.
Images via Fr Edwin Borlasa MSC and the Facebook page for the MSC Mission Office Philippines, Inc.