The Jesuit-run Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, has taken a lead role in responding to devastating floods that hit the country in late December.

The floods inundated the city on the night of December 17, submerging houses up to their rooftops and claiming the lives of nearly a thousand people. Hundreds more families were left homeless, and lost nearly all their material possessions.

The university set up a relief centre to receive donations of food, water, medical and other supplies to distribute to the victims of the floods.

It also opened up its campus as an Evacuation Centre to provide shelter for families without homes. Staff and students volunteered in buying, packaging and distributing relief goods, and in caring for evacuees. University medical personnel were deployed to provide first aid and trauma debriefing.

In addition to this support, the University has offered five hectares of its property in Lumbia to be used as a resettlement area for families who have lost their homes. Around 500 homes will be built on the site, in association with the local government and NGOs.

University President Fr Roberto C Yap said the institution was committed to ongoing support for the affected families.

‘Let us pray that the Christ-child who pitched his tent among us bless this project that it may truly help alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters’, he said.

Jesuit Mission is accepting donations towards the relief efforts at Xavier University. Donate online, selecting ‘Greatest Need’ on your donation form. All such donations will be given to the Philippines relief appeal.