Catholic Churches in the Philippines have opened its doors to medical workers and other frontline personnel seeking shelter as Luzon remained on lockdown due to the threat of COVID-19.
According to Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo and to the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP), food and shelter for health workers and hospital staff are readily available at the following:
- St. Mary’s College (37 Mother Ignacia Ave., Diliman, QC)
- St. Anthony’s Shrine (254 Manrique St., Sampaloc, Manila)
- Convent of the Holy Spirit (Immaculate Concepcion, 1111 Poinsettia St., QC)
- Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Convent (2499 Beata St., Pandacan, Manila)
- Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Senora de Guia (M.H. Del Pilar Street, Ermita, Manila)
- OFM Provincial House – San Pedro Bautista Province (69 San Pedro St., SFDM, QC)
- St. John Bosco Parish Makati (Antonio Arnaiz Avenue cor. Amorsolo Street Makati)
- Parish of Sacred Heart
- Paco Catholic School
- Malate Catholic School
- Pius Catholic Center
- Edsa Shrine
“Ang mga binubuksan na simbahan ‘yun po ay para sa mga medical frontliners na kailangan may matirhan,” Pabillo said
“Patuloy ang mga paring nagmimisa pero wala lang public participation. Nasa online na lang. Hanggang magsabi ang gobyerno kung kailan pwede nang mag congregate ang mga tao.”
Some schools also allow street dwellers to temporarily reside in their facilities, Pabillo added.
“We are collaborating with these hospitals to make room for those who need it the most. Despite what we’re facing globally, we are in faith that God will give us the grace to serve one another in love,” it said.
“God is with us in this faith-stretching time, and we trust that He holds everything in His hands. Indeed, His purpose will be accomplished. God bless us all,” it said.
Caritas Manila, in partnership with business groups, will distribute grocery vouchers to urban poor residents in the Metro Manila area through “Project Damayan.” and will giving away P1,000 gift checks to those who are in need, in coordination with local governments, Pabillo said.
“Kaugnayan po natin ang business communities. Sila po ang naglikom ng pera at pinadaan sa Caritas Manila. Ang Caritas Manila naman pinapadaan sa mga parokya. Ang mga parokya pumupunta kasama ang local governments para mamigay ng gift checks na ito,” he said.
Priests are taking precautions and are placing themselves under self-quarantine if they show signs and symptoms of the respiratory illness, Pabillo said.
“Wala pa namang naveverify na positive. Sila ay nag-iingat na lang, pag may nararamdaaman sila at hindi pa natetest ay nagse-self-quarantine na lang muna sila,” he said.
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