While other posters here are
insulting the Catholic Church or the CBCP for just sending "prayers" to the victims, this is quite far from the truth.
Aside from the material support (donations) extended to the victims, spiritual support (in the form of prayers) and emotional support (our presence, or by just being there) are what they need and that's what Catholic charities have been doing.
FYI for the benefit of everybody:
The CBCP, through CBCP-NASSA in partnership with Caritas and other church organizations
was among the first to send and distribute food aid in Tacloban as early as November 10 -- much way ahead the government's and the US efforts. They have reached Tacloban by boat to distribute food aid. Bishops and priests have allowed the use of churches and church-owned buildings to be used as refuge centers despite religious affiliations.
They have also sent P35 Million in cash and in-kind donations to the victims of the supertyphoon. Aside from that, relief efforts are quietly being organized by every parish throughout the country in whatever means they can.
Anyway, we are still very thankful that with the Pope's generosity. This actually brought attention for other countries and organizations to send aid to our country. This simple act encouraged others to donate and bring immediate support for the needs and suffering of our fellowmen.
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This time, the CBCP and the Catholic Church must have made one terrible mistake: they failed to advertise through CNN, ABS or GMA to get their efforts known.