Less than a week after the collapse of lava deposits along the slopes of Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay, Philippines, on May 2, 2026, which caused a massive ashfall affecting several communities, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) through the Ecclesiastical District of Albay conducted a Lingap sa Mamamayan (Care for Humanity) event on May 7 to help alleviate the residents’ plight.  

Through the socio-civic activity held at the house of worship compounds of the Local Congregations of Camalig and Guinobatan, the Church distributed hundreds of relief packages, 700 in all, containing rice, canned goods, potable water, face masks, among other basic necessities.

Brother Ruel R. Reyes, district supervising minister of Albay, spearheaded the socio-civic activity at both venues. Assisting him were fellow ministers constituting the district leadership, resident ministers, ministerial workers, Church officers, and volunteer members.

“Through the instruction of the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Church Of Christ extended aid to the residents to help ease the burdens they are experiencing,” said Brother Reyes.

In return, recipients expressed their joy: “I’m very thankful to the Church Administration for remembering us,” expressed Cherry Ballatan of the Camalig congregation.

“From the bottom of my heart, I express my heartfelt gratitude to our beloved Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, because even though we are far from him, he continues to care for us,” said Roda Mae Ozaeta from the Local Congregation of Guinobatan.

Nonmembers, such as Zenaida Luces, also received the much-need help. “Aside from this calamity, we’re having difficulty purchasing our daily necessities because of its soaring prices. Fortunately, this aid extended by the Church Of Christ has been a great help to us,” she said.