After several severe earthquakes at the end of September, two typhoons struck the Philippines in quick succession. Malteser International is now providing emergency aid. Photo: Order of Malta Philippines

The Philippines has been struck by an unprecedented series of natural disasters. Led by the Philippine Association, the Order of Malta has been on the front lines providing urgent relief — but resources are stretched thin, and more help is desperately needed.

Malteser International Asia Pacific (MIAP) has been asked to coordinate regional and international support.

A Nation in Crisis

Since late September, the Philippines has faced a relentless succession of disasters:

• Super Typhoon Nando and Typhoon Bualoi in late September,
• a major earthquake off the coast of Cebu on 30 September,
• Typhoon Paolo on 3 October,
• two powerful earthquakes in Mindanao on 10 and 11 October, and
• most recently, Typhoon Kalsegi, which tore through central Philippines yesterday, leaving at least 40 people dead — a number expected to rise.

The devastation is immense. According to UN estimates, as of 28 September, 2.25 million people were affected by earthquakes alone, with more than 186,000 homes destroyed or damaged.

The Order’s Response

From the earliest moments, the Philippine Association of the Order of Malta has been working tirelessly to bring aid and hope to the most affected communities.

“We provided relief kits with food, hygiene items, and medicines, working closely with the Church in the worst-affected areas.
There are families with nowhere to go and nobody to turn to.
The help we give comes bearing the sign of the Cross — a symbol of hope and stability amid despair.”
— H.E. President Josephine Bantug, Philippine Association

 

Further relief efforts — including medium-term rebuilding support — are already being planned. Malteser International has pledged emergency funds, but the scale of need far exceeds current resources.

“As an Order we are untied in prayer and in deed,” said HE Dr. Josef  D. Blotz, Grand Hospitaller. “Our prayers are with the workers and volunteers of the Philippine Association. But in addition to prayers. I would ask the members of the Order in the region what they might be able to concretely do to help – also by reaching out to their network of contacts. Funds are urgently needed. Anything we can do now will help us sustainably strengthen our Order in this vital region.”   

We ask that you please share this appeal widely and let us know of any offers of help or support from your network.

How You Can Help

Your generosity can bring vital relief to families who have lost everything.

Gifts $2 and more are tax deductible for Australian taxpayers

More ways to donate:

• Direct Deposit:
  • The Order of Malta
  • BSB 083-453
  • Account number: 448 881 897
  • Description: Philippines <Your name)
• Post: Cheques payable to ‘Order of Malta‘ sent to Order of Malta, PO Box 79, Caringbah NSW 1495
• Phone: Call 02 9331 8477 (please note the office is closed weekends and public holidays)