2019 Oct 10: As part of its ever-expanding global effort to assist in various areas of the world, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), through its humanitarian arm, Felix Y. Manalo Foundation flexed its extensive network of volunteers, logistics, and resources and gave give crucial aid to those affected by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas on September 29, 2019.
INC conducted an Aid to Humanity event on the Carribean island as soon as they were given safe passage to the island.
Dorian, a Category 5 storm, made landfall on September 1 and left death and destruction in its wake, which locals and international aid organizations both described as “similar to a war zone.”
With the wind speed of 295 kilometres per hour, Dorian
became one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
About 600 people are still missing. Damage to property is
calculated to run in the hundreds of millions in dollars.
“Through the leadership and initiative of INC
Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo, we were able to provide aid and
assistance to approximately 3,000 persons affected by the hurricane,” INC
Auditor General Glicerio B. Santos, Jr. said.
Santos added INC distributed more than three thousand ready-to-eat prepared meals, relief goods, and care packages. Food essentials included rice, noodles and various canned products such as sardines, tuna, corned beef, sausage, and pasta.
The Aid
To Humanity drive, a
project of INC’s FYM Foundation, gave additional financial assistance to
several individuals and institutions, including Dr. Conville Samuel Brown,
Westminster College, Coastline Community Care Nursing Home, Ranfruly Home for
Children, Good Samaritan Home, Home for Homeless, Filipino Community
Organization, the Public Hospitals Authority, and the Persis Rogers home for
the Aged.
The INC had previously provided crucial assistance
to victims of Hurricane Sandy on the US east coast in 2012 by donating $150,000
to the New York City Police Foundation, the FDNY Foundation, the Bellevue
Hospital Center, and the Coney Island Hospital.
In 2017, Felix Y. Manalo Foundation set up an
extensive Aid To Humanity effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Texas
by providing groceries, cleaning supplies, and toiletries to affected
residents.
The INC Auditor General explained that “As soon as
we were informed that there was an urgent need to provide aid and assistance to
the Bahamas, we immediately mobilized. We needed to alleviate the suffering of
the hurricane victims.”
“We aim to help where it is needed, wherever in the
world, at the soonest possible time. Aid to Humanity is available to everyone,
INC members and non-members alike. It’s INC’s way of addressing the need for
emergency assistance in the face of natural disasters and calamities,” Santos,
Jr. noted.###
- Marites de Jesus, FWH