MANILA – Dioceses in the Bicol region are opening their churches for those who will be affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong, which is expected to hit the region this weekend.

In separate announcements, the Dioceses of Legazpi and Daet said they are ready to accept evacuees in all churches under their jurisdiction.

« Open churches, chapels, parish halls, and other safe facilities to evacuees; and Activate Parish Disaster Response Committees (PaDReCom) in coordination with the Diocesan Commission on Social Concerns (DCS) and the Social Action Center (SAC), » the Legazpi diocese said in a social media post on Thursday.

Also, it asked the public to pray as the storm approaches the province.

« Parishes in the Diocese of Legazpi have been enjoined by the Bishop to open their churches, chapels, parish halls, and other safe facilities, and to activate their Parish Disaster Response Committees (PaDReCom) in coordination with the Diocesan Commission on Social Concerns and the Social Action Center, » the diocese added.

On the other hand, the Diocese of Daet advised the public that its churches are also ready to provide shelter to those who will be displaced by the typhoon.

« If there are families in need of shelter and no other safe evacuation centers are available, I instruct you to open parish halls, classrooms, or church buildings as temporary refuge. Ensure that basic order, cleanliness, and safety are maintained, » it said in a circular.

The dioceses also directed parish pastoral councils and barangay leaders to disseminate clear information to parishioners about safety measures, and to mobilize parish volunteers to assist in relief preparations, identify vulnerable parishioners such as the elderly and persons with disabilities, and check on their safety.

Likewise, the Diocese of Sorsogon is preparing for the effects of « Opong ».

« Our province faces another typhoon (Opong), expected to make landfall tomorrow. While our Diocese is in the process of finalizing and approving a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) protocol, the urgency of the present situation calls us to act decisively with the means already at hand. As an interim measure, we enjoin all parishes, through the coordination of our Vicars Forane, to immediately mobilize in solidarity under the leadership of the Commission on Service and Caritas. These guidelines are offered to ensure both the safety of our communities and the readiness of the Church to extend timely pastoral and charitable support, » it said in a statement.

The Diocese of Virac, on the other hand, asked the faithful to pray the Oratio Imperata, as it stressed that « prayer is our most powerful weapon. In these uncertain times, it is crucial that we turn to God and implore His mercy and protection. »

Opong is threatening many areas in Luzon and the Visayas, including Metro Manila, according to the weather bureau. It could make landfall in Bicol on Friday, Sept. 26, carrying torrential rain and fierce winds.

Diocese of Daet

The Diocese of Daet is a Roman Catholic diocese in the Philippines, established in 1974 in the province of Camarines Norte. Its seat is the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Evangelist in Daet, which is also known for housing the first Rizal Monument in the country, built in 1898. The diocese oversees the spiritual life of the Catholic faithful in this region of the Bicol Peninsula.

Diocese of Legazpi

The Diocese of Legazpi is a Roman Catholic diocese in the Philippines, established in 1951 in the province of Albay. It is centered around the Co-Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Great in Legazpi City and is a major religious center for the Bicol Region. The diocese is historically significant for its role in spreading Catholicism and its proximity to the iconic Mayon Volcano.

Diocese of Sorsogon

The Diocese of Sorsogon is a Roman Catholic diocese in the Philippines, established in 1951. It encompasses the entire province of Sorsogon on the southern tip of Luzon island. The diocese’s history is deeply tied to the Spanish colonial era, with Catholicism first being propagated in the region by Franciscan missionaries in the 16th century.

Diocese of Virac

The Diocese of Virac is a Roman Catholic diocese in the Philippines, established on November 25, 1974, to serve the spiritual needs of the island province of Catanduanes. Its seat is the Virac Cathedral, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, which serves as the central church for the province’s Catholic community. The diocese’s history is closely tied to the growth and organization of the Catholic faith in this region, which was previously part of the larger Diocese of Legazpi.

Bicol region

The Bicol Region is a peninsula in the southeastern part of Luzon, Philippines, known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the iconic perfect cone of Mayon Volcano. Historically, it was a significant trading hub before Spanish colonization and was one of the first areas to be Christianized in the 16th century. The region is also famous for its distinct cuisine, heavily featuring coconut milk and chili peppers, and its vibrant festivals celebrating its religious and agricultural heritage.

Luzon

Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines, home to the capital city, Manila. Its history is central to the nation’s story, having been the seat of major pre-colonial kingdoms, the center of Spanish colonial rule for over 300 years, and the site of pivotal battles during World War II. Today, it is the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub.

Visayas

The Visayas is the central island group of the Philippines, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant festivals like Sinulog, and rich history as a key region during the Spanish colonial era. It was the site of the first Catholic mass in the country and served as an important trading hub. Today, it is a major tourist destination, celebrated for its diverse marine life and cultural heritage.

Metro Manila

Metro Manila is the bustling capital region of the Philippines, a dense metropolis composed of 16 cities. It was officially established in 1975 to administer the rapidly growing urban area, which had been the center of Spanish colonial rule for centuries and later the site of heavy fighting during World War II. Today, it serves as the country’s primary hub for government, economy, and culture.