Archdiocese Launches “A Thousand for a Thousand” Campaign to Bring Light and Hope to Earthquake Survivors

DAVAO CITY – The Archdiocese of Davao, through the Archdiocesan Social Action Center (ASAC) has officially launched “A Thousand for a Thousand,” a humanitarian initiative to provide essential non-food assistance to 1,000 families affected by the recent earthquake in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, and in Balut Island.

During the AMBIT GN program of DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM- Davao, Rev. Fr. Leonardo “Bong” Dublan Jr., ASAC Director explained that while relief operations have successfully delivered food packs to affected communities over the past weeks, there remains an urgent need for basic shelter and household necessities that will help families recover with dignity.

“Ang ilang gikinahanglan karon dili na lamang pagkaon. Nagkinahanglan sila ug suga, masilungan, ug mga personal hygiene supplies aron makapadayon sila sa ilang adlaw-adlaw nga kinabuhi,” Fr. Dublan shared, emphasizing the importance of responding to the changing needs of disaster survivors.

In response, the Church is inviting the faithful throughout the DADITAMA Subregion (Archdiocese of Davao and Dioceses, Digos, Tagum, and Mati) to unite in supporting the campaign by donating ₱1,000, enough to sponsor one complete family package for a beneficiary household.

Each ₱1,000 Family Package contains essential items that will help families rebuild their lives: One solar lamp worth ₱480, providing light for homes that remain without electricity. One hygiene kit worth ₱149.60, containing basic necessities such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, and shampoo to help maintain health and cleanliness. One 8-by-16-foot tarpaulin worth ₱275, which families can use as a temporary shelter from rain and the weather. Dignity kits, including underwear and other personal essentials, are likewise being prepared to restore comfort and dignity among beneficiaries.

The actual cost of each package is ₱904.60, while the remaining amount will help cover delivery and logistical expenses to ensure that the relief goods reach the remote communities of Jose Abad Santos and Balut Island.

The campaign carries a goal: to raise ₱1,000,000, allowing the Church to distribute 1,000 family packages to 1,000 families. Inspired by the theme “Be That Light Today,” the initiative echoes the belief that every act of generosity can bring hope to families struggling to recover from disaster.

The campaign also encourages the donation of additional household items that families urgently need as they begin rebuilding their homes. These include plates, glasses, spoons and forks, cooking pots, and other basic kitchen utensils, which are often overlooked but essential for everyday living.

The initiative is being spearheaded through the Archdiocese’s Emergency Relief Operations Center (EROC), which continues to receive donations at the St. John Paul II Pavilion of San Pablo Parish in Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City. Those who prefer may also bring their donations to their respective parishes, which will coordinate with the relief operations.

For organizations, institutions, or individuals planning to donate larger quantities of relief goods, coordination may be made through Roderick Hernandez, Head of the Parish Social Action Ministry of San Pablo Parish, by calling 0999-991-9724.

The campaign follows weeks of relief operations conducted by the Church through the DADITAMA Social Action Network, during which food packs have already reached thousands of affected residents. As communities transition from emergency food assistance to long-term recovery, Church leaders stressed that the faithful can continue making a difference by helping provide light, shelter, hygiene, and dignity to families who have lost much in the disaster.

Quoting John 8:12, the campaign reminds the faithful of Christ’s words: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Through “A Thousand for a Thousand,” the local Church hopes to become that light for families still living in uncertainty, proving that one family’s generosity can become another family’s hope. (Bernadette Esperance)