Caravan of Solidarity

The Commission on Social and Ecological Concerns – Recoletos of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno organized the HEARTanonymous.org “Caravan of Solidarity” as a way of continuous response for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in Tacloban from March 9-10, 2014. The organizers distributed 750 relief packs (educational supplies, food, t-shirt and slippers) to the 750 elementary and high school students of Holy Trinity College in Alang-alang, Leyte and St. Therese Educational Foundation of Tacloban, Inc. in Tacloban City. Fr. Miguel M. Miro, OAR, Prior General of the Order participated in the packing and distribution of the relief packs to the students. In his words, “We will continue supporting and helping the victims of the typhoon.” Fr. Miguel, saw the devastation in the areas in Tacloban, in Palo and in Alang-alang. “I question God why this happened in the Philippines… but all the more I see the answer in the hearts of those wanting to help those affected and of the attitude of people in the recovery.” The Fr. General facilitated too the donation of sound system to the community of Augustinian Recollect Sisters in Alang-alang, Leyte. A number of volunteers from the Recoletos communities totaling 27 persons participated too in the Caravan of Solidarity, composed of twelve (12) priests and religious (Frs. Charlie Orobia, Glynn Ortega, Manny Bolilia, Renren Villalino, Tony Limchaypo, Ben Potencio, Albert Pellazar, Chote Bitangjol, Roland Cepe, Abraham Latoza, Ernie Larida and Brother Tagoy Jakosalem), and fifteen (15) lay people. Fr. Albert Pellazar, OAR was the main celebrant for the celebration of the Mass, while Fr. Miguel Miro, OAR delivered the homily. “Continue giving witness in solidarity with the poor, promoting justice and integrity of creation” he encouraged the religious and the volunteers present. He thanked the volunteers too for doing the campaign in the name of the Augustinian Recollect Family. The Commission on Social and Ecological Concerns – Recoletos also visited the Parish of St. Anthony de Padua in Mayorga, Leyte and donated 10 solar lamps to the parish community. Br. Jaazeal Jakosalem, OAR, the chairperson of the commission committed to provide ten (10) HEARThaus to the parish priest, Fr. Edwin Perito. It was also the occasion that the religious who participated in the Caravan of Solidarity affirmed the need to provide educational scholarship to the most deprived of victims of the typhoon. The Caravan of Solidarity was made possible thru the coordinated efforts of the Commission on Social and Ecological Concerns – Recoletos, University of San Jose – Recoletos and the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos. (Bro. Tagoy)