Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, sent out a team of medical professionals to provide immediate medical assistance to the survivors of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Turkey that left more than 4,000 buildings destroyed and killed 50,000 plus people. They also sent a team of staff and volunteers to help in the disaster response.
As the Turkish communities still experience shock and trauma due to a series of earthquakes, Operation Blessing conducted psychosocial activities for the traumatized children, helping them to process their grief and trauma through holistic mental health program.
Moreover, the team also arrived in Hatay and traveled to the city center where many survivors benefited from its medical services. The survivors in the area were given food boxes, water, and were provided emotional and psychosocial support, especially to those who had already lost their loved ones.
Currently, the Operation Blessing continues its medical assistance and relief efforts as many people remain in evacuation centers and need basic necessities and support to ease their pain and trauma caused by disaster.
Do you want to help Operation Blessing to aid with the people affected by disasters? You may visit www.operationblessing.ph. For inquiries, call 09399215543 or 09189067753.
Families of fishermen who suffered from Typhoon Odette received construction materials like GI sheets and plywood from CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, last March 1 at Getafe, Bohol.
Ebsel Bone, a fisherman’s wife, was one of the survivors when Typhoon Odette devastated their province in 2021. The aftermath of the typhoon left them with just the clothes on their backs as they immediately evacuated to Jandayan Elementary School.
In the evacuation area, her family, together with other survivors, waited for help from the government.
“The government was quick to respond, providing us with a tarpaulin sheet to use as a roof,” Ebsel said.
The family did not have enough money to build a proper roof for their home, they used the tarpaulin sheet as their roof for months. When the tarpaulin sheet leaked, the family adjusted their sleeping positions to avoid getting wet by the pouring rain.
It was a good thing that Operation Blessing went to their community and chose Ebsel’s family as one of its beneficiaries for their disaster response project.
“Finally, we can start rebuilding our home, where we can feel safe and secure. Thank you, Operation Blessing!” said Ebsel.
In partnership with the 702nd CDC, 7RCDG, Reserve Command, 47th Katapatan Infantry Battalion, Tagbilaran City’s local government unit, and the Bohol Evangelical Pastors Association, Operation Blessing gave construction materials for the fishermen’s families and other survivors in Bohol so that they can build their homes and start anew.
Do you want to help our countrymen who have suffered from natural disasters? You can donate to Operation Blessing. Visit https://operationblessing.ph/donate-now/.
Everyone deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare.
Thanks to your faithful partnership with Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, we can bring free basic medical care closer to our kababayans in need!
Manned by volunteer health workers and church partner, Operation Blessing’s mobile clinic delivered free medical, dental, optical, circumcision, pharmacy, and grooming services to an underserved community in Caloocan last week.
Because of your love, prayers, and support, around 300 beneficiaries who belong to low-income families received free medical support at JCSIA Worship Center in Caloocan City.
Your compassion has reached twice the usual number of patients we serve during medical missions in Metro Manila!
Apart from bringing medical relief, the team also prayed for the beneficiaries during the counseling—hoping to bring healing not just for their body, but also for their souls.
Thank you for making this possible and thank you for sharing God’s comfort to the people of Caloocan!
Do you want to reach more people and bring healthcare closer to our kababayans in need?
Almost half a year into 2022, what have you learned so far?
For many indigenous Filipino families, this year has shown the impact of education. An ongoing pandemic, hunger, and devastating natural disasters amplified the struggles they already face—forcing them out of the classroom.
Yet despite the odds, they are not giving up hope. They are determined to go to school.
Angel Poypoy is one of them. She dreams of a better future not just for herself and her family, but also for her fellow Mangyans in Sitio Sinariri, Oriental Mindoro.
“I want to become a doctor. Every time I see someone who is sick, it pains me. I want to help them,” Angel expressed.
Like Angel, many girls and boys in their community dream of a better life even though their situation is challenging. Even before the pandemic, the students had to walk down the mountains just so they could go to school.
Teacher-in-Charge Arnel Villesa of Sinariri High School witnessed the hardships of their students who belong to the Hanunuo-Mangyan tribe.
“I saw the struggles of the students in our community. They would walk 2 to 3 hours just to go to school. They also need to work; they need to earn money so they can support their schooling and help their families,” teacher Arnel shared.
On top of the personal struggles of the students, they continue to miss quality education opportunities because of lack of classrooms.
Sinariri High School was built in 2019 by the Local Government Unit. To accommodate all the students, they had to divide the rooms using thin wooden partitions.
Can you imagine how difficult it was for students to concentrate on their lessons while hearing all the noises from the other side of the room?
Angel and her schoolmates have endured this situation. And now that the students are back to face-to-face classes, they are once again faced with the same dilemma: overcrowded and uncomfortable learning spaces.
Thankfully, your support to Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, has blessed the schools and students with new classrooms!
Operation Blessing partnered with the Local Government Unit of Mansalay to reach one of the farthest areas in Mindoro and build additional classrooms for the indigenous students.
Once the classrooms are built, the students won’t be distracted anymore nor forced to travel for hours. Instead, they can focus on their lessons and spend more time with their families!
To the teachers of Sinariri High School, the construction of new classrooms inspires them more to help the students reach their dreams.
“They didn’t only give us inspiration—they also gave us the motivation to persevere,” Teacher Arnel gratefully expressed.
And to students like Angel, it is a symbol of hope. A symbol that dreamers like her can attain formal education and become a doctor someday.
“This is very important for us so we can have better classrooms and not be compressed in small rooms. Thank you so much Operation Blessing and to everyone who helped us!” Angel ended.
You help build classrooms for indigenous students and make their dreams come true!
Together with you, Operation Blessing can build more classrooms where indigenous children can learn and chase their dreams. Give and be a blessing today!
Are we able to reimagine a world where food, healthcare, and hope are available to all?
It’s a great vision, a beautiful prayer for the Philippines. However, the reality is that most vulnerable Filipinos still endure food shortage, lack of access to affordable healthcare, and extreme feelings of hopelessness.
Such is the case for the family of Gemmalyn Barcil.
Gemmalyn is a member of the Dumagat tribe, one of the indigenous groups residing in the mountainous province of Rizal. She has been suffering from excruciating dental pain for weeks but could not afford to visit a dentist.
They live too far away from the city and like many low-income indigenous families, they spend their hard-earned money on food, with nothing left for healthcare.
At this point, getting her aching tooth out seemed impossible even if she wanted to.
“I couldn’t go see a dentist because it is expensive to avail of dental services such as tooth extraction; I am also concerned about the distance I have to travel and endure just to reach the city,” Gemmalyn narrated.
That is why it has been a huge relief for their family when they heard about the medical brigade of Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm.
Volunteer doctors, dentists, and CBN Asia’s Superbook team worked hand-in-hand with the Local Government Unit of Canumay and Sitio Mapedya, Bravo Company of 84th Infantry – Victorious Battalion, Philippine Army, faculty of Mapedya Elementary School and First Baptist Church of Papaya.
The team braved hours of travel, crossed rivers, and trekked the mountainous areas of Rizal and Nueva Ecija to bring much-needed medical services to both children and elders.
Dumagat and Igorot families in Rizal and Nueva Ecija received free medical, dental, optical, and circumcision services—made more efficient with Operation Blessing’s state-of-the-art mobile clinic.
They also received free haircuts and took home food items that they can share with their families.
The kids were in for a treat, too!
Gizmo and the Superbook team brought cheers and smiles to the faces of little children. They enjoyed film shows, exciting games, and even danced along with TheSalvation Poem.
Apart from the medical and material relief, the team prayed for all the beneficiaries and shared God’s saving love and encouragement!
To Gemmalyn, it was a rare yet hope-filled experience—a day she will always cherish with her tribe.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity to have my tooth extracted for free. I am happy that Operation Blessing came to Canumay to give us medical services that we cannot afford. Thank you for coming here despite the unfavorable weather and the steep roads,” Gemmalyn shared.
Hope has reached your indigenous kababayans in Rizal and Nueva Ecija. With your partnership with Operation Blessing, we can reimagine a world where food, healthcare, and hope are available to all.
For more information on how to donate and make sponsorships, you may visit Operation Blessing’s Facebook page or contact 0939-921-5543 or 0918-906-7753.
For many families who experienced the rage of Typhoon Odette, it seemed like a miracle that they survived at all.
The typhoon was far beyond what they have expected and prepared for.
Not only did it tear down houses, submerge towns, and displace tens of thousands of families in its wake—it also crippled the livelihoods of many communities, making it harder for the affected individuals to rebuild their lives.
If the well and able people found it difficult to bounce back from the tragedy, just imagine how hard it must be for our most vulnerable kababayans, like the indigenous peoples.
Such is the case for Inaywon and her family.
Inaywon belongs to the Mangyan group who resides in the town of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.
The floods have subsided. The devastating winds are gone. Three months have passed but Inaywon and the indigenous peoples in their community are still reeling from Typhoon Odette’s impact.
At this point, any kind of help would mean a lot.
Any relief brings hope that they can recover, too.
Thanks to your compassionate hearts and partnership with Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, Inaywon and her fellow Mangyans received much-needed help this week!
Your gift reaches their Mangyan Village in Sitio Lamak, Barangay Manaul, through Operation Blessing’s disaster response team, volunteers, and the support of Grace Foursquare Gospel Church and the 4th Infantry “Scorpion” Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Inaywon and hundreds of families received food bags, hygiene kits, sanitary napkins, as well as diapers for babies. Apart from material blessings, the beneficiaries received devotional books and prayers from the team.
The kids were in for a treat, too! They had fun with Superbook’s games, songs, and giveaway goodies.
“Thank you so much! Your help means a lot to us here in Sitio Lamak,” Inaywon shared.
Months have passed but many indigenous families are still facing the same challenges. Many are still without homes; some are uncertain where to get their next meal, while others wonder how to recover mentally from the helplessness brought by Typhoon Odette.
Together, we can reach and comfort more indigenous families!
Every morning, teachers from Sapang Munti Elementary School in Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan wonder: would the modules be enough for the students today?
The pandemic made it difficult for remote and financially struggling schools to meet their students’ needs for distance learning.
Like many public schools, Sapang Munti Elementary School was left behind in terms of printing the learning modules due to lack of resources.
Although schools have allotted budget for printing, teachers say they easily run out of funds because large number of modules must be printed. Likewise, they find it hard to secure supplies needed for the reproduction of modules.
“There isn’t enough supply of bond paper. It’s one of the challenges we face here. The demand for paper has shot up with the modular learning,” shares Teacher Jason.
Thankfully, your giving has blessed the schools and students with materials they can use for modular learning!
Because of your donation, Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, had been able to visit Sapang Munti Elementary School and deliver reams of bond papers, ink, and a printer.
The team braved hours of travel, crossed rivers, and trekked the mountainous area of Norzagaray to bring much-needed supplies as well as educational books and toys for the kids who belong to the Dumagat-Remontado tribe.
The trip was all worth it when the kids and teachers welcomed them with warm smiles!
“We are very grateful to receive these donations from Operation Blessing!” said Teacher Jason.
As module supply problems remain, we will continue to support and pray for Filipino teachers and students! Join us in ensuring that no school nor student is left behind modular learning—partner with Operation Blessing and bless them today!
For more information on how to donate and make sponsorships, you may visit Operation Blessing’s Facebook page or contact 0939-921-5543 or 0918-906-7753.
For many people, a boat is just a means of transportation.
But for the fishermen of Laurel, Batangas, their entire livelihood depends on their boats. A simple fishing boat helps secure income for food and basic needs for their family.
So when the Taal Volcano erupted last year, followed by the debilitating pandemic and series of strong typhoons this year, many fisherfolks in Laurel struggled to make ends meet.
They are in a dire situation.
Their houses and boats were either buried in thick ash or destroyed by the huge floods. And with the loss of their main source of income, the fishermen wondered how they could get back on their feet.
That’s why it is a huge relief for them that Operation Blessing, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, continues its recovery efforts to help Taal survivors.
Through your faithful partnership with Operation Blessing, fishermen in Barangay Buso-Buso, in Laurel, Batangas received 12 boats that can help get them back on their feet. Your donation—with the support from the Local Government Unit of Laurel and our church partner—allowed our kababayans to experience God’s love and hope!
Operation Blessing has provided nonstop relief efforts for Taal survivors, but there is still a lot to be done. And through your help, we can make sure that no one is left behind!
Partner with Operation Blessing today and together, we will uplift our kababayans in Batangas.
For more information on how to donate and make sponsorships, you may visit Operation Blessing’s Facebook page or contact 0939-921-5543 or 0918-906-7753.
After 28 long years of working as a therapist in Kuwait, 60-year-old Adelina was forced to come home to the Philippines when the Kuwaiti government did not renew her work permit.
“Losing my job made me sad. That was my only source of income,” Adelina lamented.
It’s easy to panic and get frustrated when financial challenges come our way. Though losing a job could make anyone down and blue, Adelina chose to look at the brighter side. She prayed and trusted that God would provide for her retirement.
With her hard-earned savings, Adelina flew back to the Philippines and opened two beauty salons. Her business was booming at first—until her income dwindled down. She had to close her beauty salons. Once again, she was left wondering how to make ends meet.
Then something surprising happened.
Instead letting her financial challenges beat her down, Adelina longed to give. Her heart desired to bless those who are in need, even though she, too, was in need.
Adelina looked for a way to help her kababayans and found Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, as a good soil to plant her blessings to.
“Whenever I watch The 700 Club Asia, I am changed. All the stories speak to me, especially how Operation Blessing helps people in need. So I prayed, ‘Lord, I want to be part of what Operation Blessing is doing,’” Adelina recalled.
She prayed, and prayed, and did not hesitate to give Php 10,000 to the ministry. She then spoke a simple prayer for someone to rent her small commercial space and believed that God will provide.
Like Adelina, have you also desired to bless others even in your lack? Are you praying for provision so you can help others, too?
Like how God saw Adelina’s heart, He sees yours too.
Adelina received God’s answer to her prayers when a money transfer services rented her space. She now has all her needs provided for and more—she was even blessed with a new car and a small food business!
As you pour your cup into others, you won’t run out. God’s provision overflows through you. Now, Adelina overflows with thanksgiving!
“I’m very thankful to God! All I have is daily gratitude to Him,” Adeline shared.
Debts, bills, job loss. All these financial struggles could make a person feel down and blue. Turn your eyes to Jesus, you will have the confidence that He will carry you through.
God will provide, because He cares for you.
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT)
There has never been a more important time to keep the bayanihan spirit alive.
During the pandemic, many people lost their lives and livelihoods, their health and well-being suffered, and it stalled our children’s education and even the global economy. Nearly two years on and the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on everyone’s lives.
So, if you are wondering why we need bayanihan imore than ever, here’s a quick answer: bayanihan saves lives. And through your donations to charities and organizations like the Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, you help keep that Filipino spirit alive.
There are many more reasons to keep lending a hand, and here are a few more:
Bayanihan alleviates people’s suffering
Life was already difficult for many Filipinos, even before the pandemic. So when Severe Tropical Storm Maring—known internationally as Kompasu—ravaged the northern parts of Luzon last month, many of our kababayans had to rely on others’ help to get through the day.
Because of your bayanihan with Operation Blessing, we were able to give relief to families affected by the typhoon. The disaster response team visited Barangay Maynganay Sur in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur last October 28 and delivered much-needed food bags to help our starving kababayans.
Bayanihan sparks hope
Persons with disabilities are among the most vulnerable, and also often the most in need of support like medications and medical devices like wheelchairs.
Thanks to your help, Operation Blessing was able to give them the gift of mobility!
In partnership with the Local Government Unit of Piddig, Ilocos Norte and a local church partner, persons of disabilities received brand new wheelchairs last week. Through your support, we can wheelchairs to more of our kababayans to so they could have freedom of movement and independence.
According to Philippine Statistics Authority, almost 4.14 million Filipinos lost their jobs during the pandemic.
Some of our kababayans in Mindanao are among the people struggling to make ends meet. And though are doing their best, most of them still have a hard time finding comfort, relief, and hope that they can rebuild their lives.
Your giving helps them get back on their feet! Last week, our brothers and sisters in Balagonon, Bansalan, Davao del Sur received lifesaving supplies and much-needed encouragement from Operation Blessing.
Through tangible relief and uplifting words and prayers, jobless and disaster-affected families in Davao del Sur were comforted and encouraged to rebuild their lives.