In previous years, despite having no standardized program or funding, Open Table MCC has responded to and participated in relief efforts during typhoons and other disasters. Without a formal program, the church has always had to stay “on its toes” to determine the best way to respond and mobilize when disasters occur. We know that these events happen almost every year, especially given the governance in the Philippines, not just under the current administration but across almost all past administrations.
Starting in December 2019, we envisioned a disaster relief and care program for Open Table MCC called Pride Cares. Although the idea for this program dates back to 2014 and 2015, it was only in January of this year, during a congregational meeting with increased membership and volunteers, that the Pride Cares Team was formed. The team has since met several times and produced a document outlining the goals, accountabilities, procedures, and structures of Pride Cares as a disaster-relief and care program. This document is still being refined, and the team continues to work out the best way to activate and operationalize Pride Cares.
Under these circumstances, Open Table MCC, through Pride Cares, will not mobilize or organize relief efforts specific to the recent Typhoon Carina-enhanced Habagat crisis, which has primarily affected Quezon City, Marikina City, and parts of Rizal and Bulacan. Despite not mobilizing efforts for disaster, the church, through the Pride Cares team, will be making necessary preparations to gather funds and stock up on relief bags in anticipation of another typhoon or prolonged heavy monsoon.
We encourage our members, regulars, and friends to direct your financial support and other efforts to reputable organizations such as Community Pantry PH, Angat Buhay, ACT Alliance PH, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), and other faith-based organizations or churches.
While we admire Filipino resilience and bayanihan, we must acknowledge that those in power often exploit our strength and values. We encourage everyone to continue demanding governmental accountability for people-centric, systemic, and integrated projects addressing urban planning and overhaul, public transportation, waste management, flood mitigation, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Typhoons have regularly affected our country since before the Spaniards arrived, and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are part of our historical reality due to the Pacific Ring of Fire passing through our nation. One might argue that the abundance of storms and geological activity contributes to the fertility of our islands. However, we, as a people, have allowed our government and corporations to exploit and, in some areas, destroy our natural environment. This has exacerbated what we now call “disasters,” which devastate the lives and properties of many Filipinos. It is incumbent upon us, the Filipino people, to change the social systems and political structures that continue to harm our lives. If our problems remain in our passive hands, then our liberation and progress — addressing not only disasters but many other socio-economic issues — are also in our collective hands.
Our prayers and blessings to the many families who have lost loved ones and property, especially our LGBTQIA+ siblings. May our people rise up and recover not only from this recent disaster but from the disaster of the kind of government and political culture we currently have.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Joseph San Jose
Pastor, Open Table (MCC) Church
