Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from the Philippines.
During a large fire in Makati City on April 19, at least nine people were injured as the homes of about 1,700 families were destroyed.

After containing the blaze, the Makati City government provided some temporary shelter and food aid for the thousands rendered homeless.

Loida Pangilinan – Emergency Assistance Section, Makati City Government (F): The people ran to 3 evacuation areas at first.

VOICE: Supreme Master Ching Hai, who had immediately asked that our nearby Association members go to assist the most vulnerable fire victims, reimbursed their expenses of US$6,000 for necessary humanitarian aid This amount could obtain US$81,000 in relief items if purchased in the United States, based on the Philippines’ cost of living.

Starting May 2, our Association’s relief team in the Philippines worked with local officials to provide food and other necessities to over 300 families staying at an evacuation center. Items included biscuits, coffee powder, sugar, juice powder, soy sauce, vinegar, noodles, and hygiene supplies.

An additional number of the fire-affected residents were also assisted at another shelter several days later in Montalban province. 

Angelina Bas – Relief recipient (F): We didn’t expect this; thank you very much.

Rabboni T. Saipudin – Makati Social Welfare Development Officer (M): To Supreme Master Ching Hai, thank you very much for all you have given, the relief goods for our fire victims of Laperal, Makati.

Young relief recipient (M): Thank you, Supreme Master Ching Hai, for what I have received.

VOICE: With thanks to the Makati City government for its swift response to those in need, we also join in appreciation for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving support and our Association’s relief team for their efforts to ease the victims’ suffering.

May the Philippine families quickly resume their regular productive lives as we pray that such unfortunate events are minimized through everyone’s kinder lifestyles.