Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southeast Mindanao, Philippines, on June 8, 2026, the United Evangelical Mission (UEM), together with the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland, the Evangelical Church of Westphalia, and the Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck, has pledged a total of €50,000 in emergency assistance to the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP). The need for humanitarian aid remains im mense, and further support is urgently required.
The earthquake turned large parts of Sarangani Province and neighbouring areas into a disaster zone. Thousands of families lost their homes. Churches, schools, and public facilities were damaged or destroyed. Water and electricity supplies remain disrupted in several regions, and some communities are difficult to reach due to damaged roads. Particularly vulnerable are children, pregnant women, older people, and persons with disabilities.
Philippine Church Provides Immediate Assistance on the Ground
UCCP CARES, the relief and development arm of the UEM member church UCCP, is coordinating emergency assistance for families in the hardest-hit communities in cooperation with local congregations, government authorities, and partner organizations. Church volunteers were among the first responders, providing im mediate assistance and assessing urgent humanitarian needs. Relief efforts include the distribution of food, drinking water, hygiene kits, blan kets, sleeping mats, and clothing, as well as the establishment of temporary shelters and the provision of basic medical care and psychosocial support. Solar power systems are also urgently needed to provide communities that remain without electricity with at least basic communication and lighting.
Appeal for Donations and Prayers
“In this crisis, the UEM communion is demonstrating Christian solidarity in ac tion,” said Rev. Dr. Dyah Krismawati, Head of the Asia Division and Deputy Gen eral Secretary of UEM. “We stand alongside our member church and the people affected in the Philippines and call on everyone to continue supporting our sis ters and brothers through donations and prayers.”
Donations earmarked ‘Philippines Earthquake Emergency Relief’ can be made by bank transfer or online. Donation Account: United Evangelical Mission (UEM) KD-Bank eG IBAN: DE45 3506 0190 0009 0909 08 Reference: Philippines Earthquake Emergency Relief
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