Samaritan’s Purse delivered emergency relief to thousands in Cotabato and Mindanao.

Three earthquakes of at least 6.3 magnitude hit the Philippines in the autumn of 2019, leaving more than 25 people dead and tens of thousands displaced. In response, Samaritan’s Purse delivered emergency relief supplies in late November to 6,459 people in the province of Cotabato and parts of Mindanao. At a total of seven different evacuation sites in the cities Kidapawan and Makilala—many of which were schools—we served those who had no other place to stay.

Lalay and her children receive help from Samaritan’s Purse at one of the evacuation sites. Her husband is working in Davao in order to earn money for their house repairs.

At three of these locations, we distributed two weeks’ worth of food to 400 families.

“These food packs are really a big help for us,” said Unilyn. “We lost our jobs and livelihoods due to the earthquake and landslides. If no help will come to us, we won’t be able to eat.”

Eight hundred households who had fled their homes received family kits consisting of a sleeping mat, a blanket, and a mosquito net.

In addition, 800 dignity kits were distributed among 200 families. These came as a particular relief as hygiene supplies are expensive in the Philippines, and for these communities, the nearest stores are more than an hour away.

“Thanks to Samaritan’s Purse, I don’t have to go far for my necessities.”

“Goods like these really help us,” said Lalay, a mother of three. “I, myself, am still scared to go anywhere for fear of another earthquake. Thanks to Samaritan’s Purse, I don’t have to go far for my necessities.”

Throughout the response, 400 tarps, 800 water kits, and 1,800 children’s slippers were also distributed in Jesus’ Name and 63 church and community leaders volunteered in the efforts. In the process, more than 1,500 individuals heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Please pray for these communities to know the hope of the living God as they continue to recover.

The devastation from the earthquakes in Cotabato and Mindanao is immense.