Christian Church in Bulacan Earns Praises Online for Providing Temporary Shelter to Flood-Affected Families
A Christian church in Malolos, Bulacan opened its doors and gives shelter to families affected by severe waist-deep flooding.
The Christian Solidarity Fellowship (CSF) served as a temporary shelter for evacuees who had no safe place to go after their homes were hit by rising floodwaters due to nonstop rains
Among the evacuees was Roan Vidalion, a CSF member who, along with her family, had to be rescued from their home in McArthur Village. The flood was already higher than an adult’s head in their area, making it too dangerous to stay.
Rescuers arrived with a boat and helped them get to safety. As of now, four families or a total of 22 people are taking shelter inside the church. They were given dry sleeping areas, blankets, pillows, and biscuits.
Even with this help, more evacuees are expected to arrive soon, including Roan’s elderly parents who are waiting to be assisted.
Roan shared that this isn’t the first time they’ve had to evacuate. Every year, when strong rains pour, flooding becomes a regular struggle. Before the church was built, evacuees used to find shelter wherever they could in some rented rooms, while others stayed at barangay halls or schools.
“Bagong tayo lang din po kasi itong church namin. Nung mga nakaraang taon, bale kaniya-kaniya kami. Yung iba po uupa muna sa mga boarding house, yung iba po sa mga barangay, yung iba po sa school,” Bishop Joey Umali said.
Vidalion explained that their area easily floods because the roads are lower than the surrounding areas, turning them into natural catch basins for rainwater.
Before the radio interview ended, Roan made a heartfelt appeal to the government. While emergency aid helps, she hopes that long-term solutions can be made to finally address the flooding that affects not only Malolos but many parts of Bulacan every year.