The strict quarantine measures imposed in the Philippine capital on the early days of the pandemic in March caused sleepless nights for me and for all of us.

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My heart missed a beat when I learned about the lockdown that has displaced thousands of people who lost their jobs. “How can we help if we are also facing economic challenges?” was the first thing that came to my mind.

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So, when our church, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish – Muntinlupa immediately launched Puso Para sa Sitio: Covid-19 Fund Drive, I did not think twice to be one of their volunteers.

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Despite the limitations, our beloved church started to look for other means to provide for those who are most in need and those displaced during the health crisis. 

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The church has literally no money on hand to initiate the fund drive program. The church’s main source of income is also suffering because of the low number of weddings, cancelled baptism and cancelled fundraising program.  

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That is why the Planning and Finance team called on some organizations and offered the church’s facility as venue for the repacking of relief goods that would be distributed in developing communities. 

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After several days, donations and support started to come in. Donations came from various communities of Muntinlupa City: Alabang 400, Hillsborough, Kalipayan, Pacific Malayan, Alabang Hills, Intercity, Rizal Village, Mintcor, BF 6-East, Asya, Capri Southbay, and various individuals and corporations like Gardenia, San Miguel Corporation and Phinma Properties.

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Every week, our church received deliveries of rice, vegetable and other food items from donors and sponsors. 

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I am one of the youth volunteers that immediately got involved with repacking of relief goods and distributing them to the developing areas of West Cupang. I actively participate in the relief operations of the church since the total lockdown was imposed. 

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One of the things that made the people overflow with joy was the continuous support and donation of the church. My family also received the relief goods. 

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When our area coordinator brought food packs to Princess Gantalao’s doorstep one Saturday afternoon in April, her face brightened up. 

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“Finally, may pagkain na mga anak ko,” said the 20-year-old housewife. Princess and I live in the same compound (Kabulusan 2) that’s why I know how her family is dealing with during the pandemic. 

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“Ang saya namin, pati mga kapitbahay ko. Malaking blessing ang relief goods na ‘to sa amin, lalo na ang asawa ko ay isang family driver at nawalan siya ng trabaho. Kaya ‘di namin alam kung saan kami kukuha ng pera pangbili ng pagkain.” Princess added. 

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The grocery packs contain three kilos of rice and five canned goods. Some selected sitios (communities) also received eggs, Nutribun from San Miguel Corp. and Gardenia bread. 

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“Malaking tulong po sa ‘min ‘to sa pagkain namin sa araw-araw. Lalo na’t walang sawa kayong nagbibigay sa mga sitio.” This was what people often said.

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I remember Fr. Carmelo Estores, our parish priest said in his homily, “Malaki ang binago ng krisis na ito sa galaw ng mundo at sa galaw ng tao. Sa ngayon mas nauunawaan natin kung gaanong kahalaga ang pananampalataya sa ating buhay. Mas nauunawaan natin kung gaanong kahalaga ang Diyos sa ating buhay. Yung mga dating bihira magdasal, ngayon, nagrorosaryo na araw-araw, nagsisimba online,” 

Fr. Carmelo said it is during trying times that the Church is actively seen among the suffering and the needy because the Church lives the teachings of its Founder, the Risen Jesus Christ.

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“Sa mga tanong na ito, simple lang ang sagot ko, hindi lamang para sa ating parokya kung hindi para sa buong simbahan. May galaw ang simbahan. Gumagalaw ang simbahan. May malasakit ang simbahan.”

He added that Jesus challenges everyone to be a miracle of God to others by translating our prayers to acts of charity.

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The Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish along Don Jesus Boulevard through its “Puso Para sa Sitio: Covid-19 Fund Drive” has benefited 5,639 families living within its boundaries. 

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They will continue to provide relief packs for as long as the pandemic and the quarantine is affecting the lives of families.

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I will never forget the images of teary-eyed and faces beaming with hope, as we distributed relief goods. 

It’s really a privilege to be used by God to help our fellow Filipinos. As youths volunteer in the church, we will be the light that breaks through the darkness and continues to illuminate the homes and hearts of people.

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Because above all, the mission continues.

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