When typhoon “Cosme” hit the town of Sta. Cruz, province of Zambales in Northern Luzon last May 2008, the Santos family least expected it. And it hit them hard.

Though her house, her children’s and sister’s houses were flattened or damaged by typhoon Cosme last May 2008, she didn’t blame God. Even the thought of blaming God never crossed her mind.

An Operation Blessing staff hand over relief goods to the daughter of Elaine. They now live in a makeshift shelter to protect them from the elements. OB COO Kim April Pascual comforts and assures Elaine of God's love & provision.

To our dearest partners,

I just came from a daylong inspection of the damages in Kalibo, Aklan after being ravaged by typhoon Frank. In summary, the devastation was widespread. No one was spared, rich or poor.

Kalibo is a happy and vibrant city, says one volunteer who lives in the area. Now, it looks gloomy and in despair as the city was deluged by mudflow from the mountains. Houses made of light-weight materials were easily flattened. Streets were impassable. Electricity and water supply is still not available a week after the storm. People are enduring continous mudflows when it rains, and dust when the sun shines.

There is now an outbreak of diarrhea. Respiratory diseases are now widespread. Opportunist businessmen are jacking up prices. 1 kilo of rice now cost 150.00 pesos. We heard the story of someone whose family was unable to eat for three days. This person was able to go out to buy rice but has found that the price was beyond his reach. The retailer refused to sell because the person only had 120 pesos on hand. He went home and in a fit of rage-- took a "gulok" and went back to the retailer and killed him.

Friends, these are desperate times for the residents of Kalibo.

During our brief stay, we visited Rudy and Elaine and we were shocked at their living conditions. Before the typhoon, they had a small breadshop as a source of living. As typhoon Frank battered Kalibo, a mango tree fell on Rudy and Elaine's house and 195-kph winds ripped their roof apart, eventually leveling their home. We brought them relief goods, candles, and a gas lamp that will tide them over for only a few days.

My heart really sank. I was telling God that we need to help them, but the initial donations we received last week is already running out after meeting the needs of the Iloilo city typhoon victims. But our God is a gracious and loving God, able to meet the needs of those who seek Him.

I told God that I need at least 2 Million pesos to reach out to the people of Kalibo. With the support you sent for Iloilo last week, we were able to stretch our remaining funds and buy 100 sacks of rice for Kalibo.

But it will not be enough. We will need to send in our whole team of volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, medical technicians and support staff to help Kalibo back to its feet.

I am appealing again to you today. I am praying for a special blessing from God for you so that you will be able to share. I am asking God that He will allow you to experience His overflowing blessings.

Sometimes God requires us to step in faith before He blesses us. If God is asking you to give today, please do not hesitate, He will return it a hundredfold. I am praying that you will have faith as small as a mustard seed to partner with me in helping our brothers and sisters in Aklan.

The quickest way for us to receive your donations is by depositing it to your nearest Metrobank branch (Account Name: Operation Blessing / Account Code: 007-233-54471-6). You can still give by clicking the "Donate Now" button.

We have extended our office hours up to 8 p.m. so we can accommodate you. You can call us at (02) 8132163/8120581 or through our 24/7 Counseling Center at (02) 8107176/8107717/(toll-free within Metro Manila) 1-800-1-888-8700.

In behalf of the people of Aklan, especially those from Kalibo, let me thank you in advance for blessing them through your donations. May God richly reward you for your faith.

 In Christ's service,

KIM APRIL C. PASCUAL, M.D.

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

For most of us, Typhoon Frank only brought power failure and flooded streets. We stayed at home because it was too dangerous to go out.

But for the residents of Iloilo, staying home is not an option; there was no “home” at all. Ravaged by landslides and floods caused by the lashing storm, they wait for help from meaningful groups and strangers.

Would you be that stranger today? Would you multiply your blessings and give to those in need?

Some 1,000 families in Catanduanes received the most essential food item—rice—from the Operation Blessing in its recent relief assistance, as they struggled to endure the aftermath of torrential rains and typhoons that almost hit the island this December. 

A few days after typhoon Chedeng and Dodong hit the province of Bulacan , Operation Blessing arrived with essential food items for more than 500 affected families.

Nonstop rains forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes as waters from a nearby river in Bustos, Bulacan began to rise. Homes situated at the riverbanks drowned under more than 12 feet of flood water.

“The rain began to pour at around six in the morning on Tuesday and continued for hours until the river overflowed… every year during the rainy season this same thing happens to us,” confides Maryjane, a mother of six who fled their home at the height of the storm.

After running for safety at a public school, these families returned to homes damaged by strong winds and raging flood waters. Almost half of Maryjane’s home, that was once their kitchen, was swept away by the typhoon.

In the nearby town of Sta. Maria , in a village called “tabing ilog Tumana,” (river side Tumana) hundreds of other families fled in haste as flood waters engulfed homes and farm lands.

At this point, essential food items are a critical need. Thankfully, Operation Blessing (OB) responded immediately with grocery bags containing rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, sugar and other essentials.

“Thank you Operation Blessing this will help ease our hunger even for a few days… without this we will surely starve…” Maryjane shares.

OB provides quick relief to typhoon victims in the form of food stuff for those displaced by the calamity. A local pastor helps facilitate the distribution after praying for and encouraging the people through God’s word.

With the local government unit’s ongoing plans to address the long-term needs of the residents, Bustos Mayor Carlito Reyes is happy that humanitarian groups like Operation Blessing reach out and help his people in this time of great need.

“We are deeply thankful to Operation Blessing for their kindness, because I believe that we cannot do this alone. I hope that you continue your good work not only here but in other places…” shares Mayor Reyes.

For Maryjane and her six children, the ration of food they received from OB is a sign that there is still hope amidst the tragedy. OB endeavors not only to provide material help but, more importantly, an assurance that they can find rest in Jesus Christ.

Operation Blessing is looking at providing continuous assistance to typhoon victims in Bulacan. If you wish to help, please call us at 812-0581 or 812-0592.

For cash donations please use the following information:

Metrobank – Kayamanan Branch

Account Number: 007-233-54471-6

Account Name: Operation Blessing

You can also donate with your mobile phone:

For SmartMoney holders type OBF <space> AMOUNT then send to 270

For Globe Gcash holders type DONATE <space> AMOUNT <space> 4-DIGIT MPIN <space> OB then send to 2882