News Release

LDS Charities, Alagang Kapatid Provide Relief to Abra Evacuees

When Typhoon Ineng hit the Abra region and left it in a state of calamity, residents of Barangay Tamac in Villaviciosa, Abra, were forced to leave their homes after a big landslide hit their barangay and surrounding areas. 

Roads were impassable which left the survivors isolated.  Disaster response teams like LDS Charities and Alagang Kapatid Foundation found it hard to deliver assistance to the upland area.  However, the determination of the teams together with Mormon Helping Hands volunteers made possible the delivery of food and hygiene kits to 175 families composed of more than 700 residents.

Mormon Helping Hands volunteers, the Philippine Army and the Alagang Kapatid team helped in the repacking of goods, the loading of food kits to trucks and together, the teams climbed the mountains of Villaviciosa to deliver the much needed goods to the isolated families who had been without food for days.  

On September 16, after a grueling 5 hour trip, the teams reached the evacuation area. They immediately facilitated the distribution in an orderly manner and before the day ended, families were able to receive their food and hygiene kits as well as medicines.  

To further address the needs of the residents, LDS Charities provided tents upon the request of Villaviciosa Municipal Mayor Marjorie Lagen so that school children can continue to hold classes, and for meetings and barangay operations to continue.  The tents were divided for the following: 4 sets used as classrooms for elementary school children; 2 sets used by Day Care Children; 1 set used as DENR office; 4 sets used as Relief Operations Area; 2 sets used by the Assistance Desk; and 2 sets used for meetings and activities.

Governor Eustaquio Bersamin extended his sincere appreciation to LDS Charities, the Philippine Army and Alagang Kapatid Foundation for the donation and services rendered.  

Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LDS Charities is an application of the admonition of Jesus Christ to help others in need. Jesus Christ taught His followers to give meat to the hungry and drink to those who thirst. His is a gospel that includes taking in the stranger, loving neighbors as self, and visiting those who are sick or imprisoned. He taught that we are to love and care for each other, visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and lift up those whose hands hang down and whose knees are feeble.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.