The faith of the Filipino people remains steadfast in a country recently ransacked by super-typhoons, and with more news of bad weather up ahead.
Gilda Avedillo, program officer for Caritas Manila's disaster risk reduction and management program, told EWTN News, "The faith of our people is undeterred despite these mounting dark clouds and surrounding typhoons."
During the first week of December, a typhoon called "Hagupit" or "Ruby" traveled across the Philippines' central region. The heavy rains and strong winds caused the death of 21 people, left approximately 900 injure and displaced thousands of Samar and Leyte residents.
The Filipinos are still recovering from the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan which arrived last year. The super-typhoon killed over 7,000 people and displaced millions of citizens.
Over 4 million Filipinos were affected by typhoon Ruby this year, based on data provided by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. There are currently a million people housed in evacuation centers while almost 300,000 homes were ransacked by the storm.
Massive flooding in the eastern region of the Philippines were reported by several dioceses. Thousands had to be evacuated and placed in safer areas like schools and institutions.
Hard hit areas in 13 dioceses were given food relief packs, first aid and hygiene kits by Caritas Manila.
"Still, much more to be achieved", Avedillo emphasized. "Currently the needs are non-food items for wash interventions and structural materials for repairing damaged houses."
With Pope Francis' scheduled visit to the Philippines next month, the Filipinos' faith is strengthened further.
A local youth told EWTH News, "We are eagerly waiting and praying for the safety of our Holy Father visiting us early next month."