LUBAO, Philippines — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began distributing 2,000 relief packs on September 12 to families affected by recent flooding in Pampanga province, with the first handout taking place in Barangay Remedios in the municipality of Lubao.
The effort is intended to provide immediate assistance to families recovering from flooding that affected thousands of residents across the province, particularly in its second legislative district.
Ahead of the distribution, 60 Church volunteers spent a combined 240 hours repacking relief goods, an effort organized by President Ivan Anthony Hirro of the Lubao Philippines Stake in coordination with local bishops.
Bishop Brian Santiago of the Lubao 1st Ward said the response from local members was strong once the call for help went out. “What we really want as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to extend God’s love to each of His children,” he said, adding that volunteers stepped forward the day before to repack the goods for distribution.
Bishop Santiago said the Church also worked with local government to make sure aid reached the families who needed it, noting that officials helped coordinate the distribution on the ground.
Residents of Barangay Remedios expressed gratitude for the assistance. Barangay Captain Soledad Miguel thanked the Church for what she called a meaningful gift to the community, while resident Elena Miguel said she was grateful for the relief that had come to her neighborhood through the Church’s efforts.
Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now represents Pampanga’s Second District in Congress, also praised the Church’s involvement. “I want to thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for giving out relief packs in my Second District of Pampanga,” she said. “Thank you very much for that!”
The distribution followed a Deed of Donation formally signed during the Church’s World Humanitarian Day Friendship Luncheon on September 10, benefiting an estimated 2,000 flood-affected families. At that event, Arroyo spoke about the Church’s approach to service, describing humanitarian work among Latter-day Saints as an expression of discipleship rather than an occasional gesture.
The relief effort is scheduled to continue on September 15 at the Lubao Stake Center, where Arroyo is expected to join Church leaders, mayors and representatives from three severely affected municipalities to distribute the remaining packs.
The initiative is part of the Church’s broader humanitarian work, which the Church has described as reflecting the example of Jesus Christ in caring for those in need, regardless of the recipients’ faith, nationality or background.
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