The Supreme Master Ching Hai
By the Philippines Relief Team (Originally in Chinese)
A powerful earthquake of 7.2 magnitude struck central Philippines on October 15, 2013, claiming 222 lives. The provinces of Bohol and Cebu were the most severely affected. Over 73,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, along with numerous historical landmarks, and nearly 72,000 families were forced to seek refuge in nearby shelters.
Upon hearing this sad news, Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$10,000 to assist relief work and instructed our Association members from the Philippines to render immediate aid in the area.
After arriving at Cebu Island on October 20, our Association members immediately took the ferryboat to the severely affected Bohol Island where Carmen and Loon, two of the worst hit cities, were located. Due to the destruction of roads and bridges, only boats and helicopters were able to deliver aid. Upon learning that approximately 700 households in the city of Loay on Bohol Island were also in need of supplies, especially food and drinking water, we purchased 700 portions of daily necessities with Master’s fund.
With the assistance of the Loay Mayor, the Honorable Ms. Rosemarie Lim Imboy, our relief team managed to pack and deliver the supplies to the distribution center. Although it started to rain heavily on that day, each villager showed great joy and gratitude upon receiving Master’s overflowing of blessings and love.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for
Earthquake Relief Work in the Philippines
| Description | Amount (PHP) | Receipt |
|---|---|---|
| Food (spaghetti, rice noodles, rice, cookies, canned peas and garbanzo beans, vinegar, soy sauce, cooking oil, sugar, salt and drinking water) and soap | 429,240.20 | A-J |
| Total | PHP 429,240.20 (US$9,970.74) |
The relief team paid for their own travel and lodging expenses, totaling US$689.
