A Call to Compassion
In the shadow of Mt. Kanlaon’s rumbling fury, the plight of Canlaon City’s evacuees reminds us of the first Christmas—a time when Mary and Joseph sought refuge, only to find shelter in a humble stable.
Today, thousands of families from Canlaon’s Permanent Danger Zone are displaced, huddled in evacuation centers, seeking the bare essentials to survive.
Their situation urges us to respond with the same compassion and generosity that defined that sacred night in Bethlehem.
The City of Canlaon faces a daunting task. Over 2,800 evacuees need food, shelter, and care, with the local government estimating ₱29 million to feed them for the next three weeks.
Modular tents and classrooms have been repurposed, but resources are stretched thin. Essential items like large cooking pots, diapers, and milk remain critically-needed.
This Christmas season, we are called to embody the spirit of giving. Just as the Magi offered their gifts to the Holy Family, we, too, must step forward to provide for our fellow Filipinos in need.
Donations, whether in cash or kind, can be channeled through the Incident Command Post at the Canlaon City Tourism Office to ensure proper accounting and efficient distribution.
Yet, this is not merely about providing material aid; it is about extending hope.
The evacuees’ resilience in the face of Mt. Kanlaon’s wrath inspires us to unite as one community. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remember that His message of love and charity knows no boundaries. By helping Canlaon’s evacuees, we affirm our shared humanity, and rekindle the light of compassion in a time of darkness.
Let us be their ‘stable’ in the storm, their beacon of hope this Christmas.
