Sharing Master’s Love with the Earthquake Victims in the Philippines

By Philippines Relief Team (Originally in English)

On April 8, 2017, three earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 5.0 to 5.9 hit Mabini, Tanauan and the coastal town of Taysan in Batangas Province on the main Philippine island of Luzon. A total of 27,473 people were affected with the majority relocated to temporary shelters. Six individuals were injured and over 2,600 houses were damaged.

Two days after the earthquakes, one of our local Association members went to the municipality of Mabini to assess the situation. She found out that all evacuees had already returned to their homes except the families whose houses were severely damaged. In addition, she learned from the Municipal Social Welfare (MSW) officer that drinking water, food, and tents or plastic canvases were among the most needed items.

With the US$5,015 provided by Supreme Master Ching Hai, and following Master’s loving instruction to assist those in need, on April 21 and 22, our team of two Manila Association members went to the city of Manila to purchase tents and water purifiers. After that, we traveled to Mabini – about two hours south of Manila — to purchase other items such as water containers, rice and vegan cookies. We then informed the MSW officer of our plan to distribute relief supplies the next day, and the officer kindly gave us a list of barangays (towns) in need.

Mabini is a high and steep picturesque area with many beach resorts and concrete houses. When the relief team arrived on April 23, six barangay captains came to receive the items on behalf of the affected people. Each barangay received one water purifier with three replacement filters. The number of water containers, tents, and rice packs given varied depending on the needs. In addition, three units of water purifiers were left with the Mabini MSW Office to be given to other barangays. The relief team also shared Master’s book — The Key of Immediate Enlightenment Sample Booklet — with the victims.

The recipients were very happy and grateful for the items received, especially the tents, saying they would no longer have to sleep out in the open at night. Barangay captains were especially thankful for the water purifiers and containers. They said that it would be a big help for their community as they no longer have to buy drinking water and can supply their constituents in need with clean drinking water. They were all very touched by Master’s love and grace.

It was raining very hard that day, but during the relief operation, the rain stopped temporarily so our team was able to proceed smoothly with the mission. We knew that Master was with us in spirit all the while, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share God’s love and blessings with our fellow country people. May all those affected by the earthquake have a speedy return to their normal lives.

Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai for Earthquake Relief Work in the Philippines

Note: An additional US$320 was donated by our local and foreign Association members for the relief team’s accommodations, transportation, food and other miscellaneous expenses.