Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Philippines and the Nazarene Disaster Response team provided immediate help to 400 affected families from 18 areas in Eastern Mindanao 3-6 February 2024 due to severe flooding that devastated the province. 

The Provincial Board of Davao Oriental placed the entire province under a “state of calamity” due to the floods and landslides that spawned from continuous rain that fell over the Davao Region for multiple weeks. 

From 25 January to 9 February 2024, the province experienced two consecutive low-pressure weather systems that brought most areas under significant storms. Two landslides claimed more than 80 lives. Thousands of families were displaced because of massive flooding.

The Church of the Nazarene in Mindanao is divided into the Mindanao East and Mindanao West districts. The East District has the most casualties. The Mindanao West District, headed by District Superintendent Dan Balayo, was the first to extend help to the neighboring district by sending 300 Crisis Care Kits, other relief goods, and unique offerings from local churches.

After a rapid assessment conducted by the NCM team on the ground, Jaime Eniceo, NCM coordinator for the Philippines Micronesia Field, and Tadeo Bolins, leader of the Nazarene Disaster Response team for the field, facilitated and supervised the relief operations in the Davao Region.

On the first day of the relief operations, the team went to Lupon and Mati City. They set up a child-friendly space and conducted debriefing sessions while the other members distributed relief goods. These actions were made possible thanks to partnerships provided by the field’s Nazarene Missions International and Nazarene Youth International, as well as districts, local churches, and individuals who raised funds to contribute to these relief operations.

Tagum City Church of the Nazarene served as the command center for relief operations. The church partnered with the National Police Special Action Force for security, a boost to the church’s workforce, and transportation so that the NDR team could reach even the most problematic areas affected by the flooding.

“Calamities like this truly show the meaning of church,” said Sherwin Basmillo, disaster response coordinator for the Mindanao East District. “Giving compassion to people affected by this tragedy gives us an opportunity to be hands and feet of Jesus. I want to thank those who prayed, gave for this cause, and our leaders who did the immediate response to those who were affected by the flooding.”

The Asia-Pacific Region requests continued prayer for the affected families as they recover from this tragedy. Pray for the church as it continues ministering to the people affected through child debriefing sessions and child-friendly spaces.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region