On the morning of 3 March, a fire broke out in Daan Tubo, an informal settlement close to the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) campus in Quezon City. The flames spread quickly through the jigsaw-like community, consuming houses constructed from semi-bricked walls, wood, and zinc roofs. Within three hours, over 1,000 people became homeless. Fortunately, no one suffered serious injuries.
This neighbourhood has been part of my weekend apostolate, along with fellow formands from the Loyola House of Studies (LHS)—Pius SJ, Ramon Angelo Lopez SJ, Tieng Chanra SJ, Nyinyi Tun SJ, and Henry SJ. Through our regular visits, we have fostered close relationships with the families there.
As we began coordinating relief efforts, the verse from Matthew 25:40, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me,” was at the forefront of my mind. The lessons I had taken in humanitarian aid provided me with the handles to remain composed amidst the chaos.
We quickly mobilised, alongside students from two AdMU organisations that are Daan Tubo partners—Ateneo Student Catholic Action (AtSCA) represented by Shaina Atienza Guiyab and Angel Rose Sarmiento, and Musmos Ateneo represented by Krizza Reymon and Chiara Toledo. It felt natural for us to come together to assist the community. Thanks to AtSCA’s quick action, a communication and financial channel was set up to coordinate an immediate response, forming the Ateneo Daan Tubo Fire Response Team.
The next day, we went to the ground to identify the needs of the victims. The streets we frequented and the homes that had once received us were reduced to charred rubble. The place loomed with the rough air of dust and the suspended morale of the people.
After a 20-minute walk, we arrived at Amorsolo Covered Courts, the evacuation site where the families were gathered. We were comforted to see them receiving food, thanks to the generosity of many people. However, we quickly learnt that they were in need of water and clothing. With the help of chapel leaders from Daan Tubo, we were able to mobilise financial and clothing donations from AdMU, LHS, and Loyola School of Theology. We brought them over that evening before larger organisations stepped in the following day to provide most of the essential immediate needs. As these organisations provided for gaps in relief operations, the team took a step back and allowed space for the proper systems to operate.
While addressing physical needs was crucial, spiritual support was equally important. On 8 March, with assistance from parish volunteers, Fr Bridge Casas, a visiting priest from the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, celebrated an anticipated Mass at Block 4 of Daan Tubo. We attended the Mass together with Fr Gabriel Lamug-Nañawa SJ, and Jesuit brothers assisted in the blessing of the damaged houses. Some residents shared that as their houses burnt, they felt as though they were staring into the fires of hell. The blessing gave the community a sense of assurance of God’s love.
A week after the fire, as the community began to stabilise, children in the evacuation site needed to go back to school. Partner children from Musmos Ateneo needed clothes, which were provided for them. Some of the children also needed school supplies. Fr Francis Lim SJ, Major Superior of Malaysia Singapore Region, who was visiting the Philippines, helped pack school supplies for 154 grade school and high school students. This was made possible through the unwavering financial support of donors and the assistance of AdMU students, Tanging Yaman Foundation, Parish of the Holy Sacrifice Basic Ecclesial Community, and LHS community. Additionally, Tanging Yaman Foundation donated rice to the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice for distribution along with the donations from the parish.
In these moments, the Gospel which calls us to assist our neighbours and contribute to the alleviation of suffering in God’s Kingdom came alive for us. Yet, while much has been done, the community still faces significant challenges. Please keep them in your prayers in this difficult time.
Jasper Ong SJ is a brother from Singapore taking up interdisciplinary studies at the Ateneo de Manila University and living with the Loyola House of Studies community in Quezon City, Philippines.