Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Church, has mobilized its national network to respond to the impact of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, known locally as Uwan.
By Mark Saludes, LiCAS News
The social action arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines has mobilized its national network to prepare for the impact of Super Typhoon Fung-wong (local name: Uwan).
Caritas Philippines said it “is on standby and coordinating with Diocesan Social Action Centers for possible response operations” as the massive storm, tracked toward Northern and Central Luzon with a wide circulation expected to affect Southern Luzon and the Visayas.
“Typhoon Tino has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), and we are now closely monitoring Typhoon Uwan, which is expected to intensify into a Super Typhoon (STY),” the national Caritas said.
The agency appealed for vigilance and readiness, reminding communities to “keep all devices and batteries fully charged,” “preposition relief goods and supplies,” and “ensure the availability of lifelines—water, electricity, communication, and access routes.”
“Together, let us ensure the safety of our families and communities,” it added. “In this time of uncertainty, may our faith, compassion, and readiness guide us as we pray for the protection of everyone in the path of the typhoon.”
Parishioners and evacuees attend morning Mass at St. John Nepomucene Parish in Bonga, Bacacay, where prayers were offered for protection from Super Typhoon Uwan. After the Mass, the parish community served a warm breakfast to those taking shelter in the church. Photo credit: St. John Nepomucene Parish, Bonga, Bacacay / Diocese of Legazpi
Bicol dioceses open churches, activate response networks
In the Bicol region—where heavy rains and strong winds are expected first—dioceses have begun opening churches and mobilizing relief teams.
The Diocese of Legazpi in Albay has designated several parishes as evacuation centers “to provide comfort and safety to those in need.”
These include St. John the Baptist Parish in Camalig, St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine in Legazpi, St. John the Baptist Parish in Jovellar, St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Bigaa, Our Lady of Salvation Parish and Diocesan Shrine in Joroan, Tiwi, St. Rose of Lima Parish in Bacacay, St. Dominic de Guzman Parish in Sto. Domingo, St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Tiwi, and the Redemptorist Legazpi Mission Community.
The diocese called for collective prayer “for the safety of communities across the Bicol region and other provinces,” as Typhoon Uwan threatens to bring destructive winds and intense rainfall to Luzon.
In Camarines Norte, the Diocese of Daet has also activated its disaster protocols. Bishop Herman G. Abcede issued a circular urging clergy and parish leaders to prepare both spiritually and logistically for the storm.
“I urge everyone to remain spiritually vigilant and pastorally ready,” he said.
The prelate instructed all parishes to lead the Oratio Imperata for Protection Against Calamities during Masses and community prayers, and to “encourage families to pray this at home.”
He also called on pastoral councils to “disseminate clear information to parishioners about safety measures,” “secure parish facilities and important documents,” and “identify vulnerable parishioners (elderly, PWDs, those living near flood-prone areas) and check on their safety.”
“If there are families in need of shelter and no other safe evacuation centers are available,” Bishop Abcede added, “I instruct you to open parish halls, classrooms, or church buildings as temporary refuge.”
He called on parishes to transform the crisis into an act of faith and service: “Let us transform this difficult moment into an opportunity for solidarity and faith. Together, let us be instruments of Christ’s mercy, serving and protecting His flock in times of trial.”
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Cáceres in Naga City released reminders urging calm and compassion among the faithful.
“The Archdiocese of Cáceres encourages everyone to prepare for Typhoon Uwan with prudence, calmness, and a spirit of prayer,” it said. “We are called to walk together in mutual care. This is a time for co-responsibility.”
Uwan lashes Bicol, halts recovery in Central Philippines
According to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP), Typhoon Fung-wong— “a storm with a radius spanning nearly the entirety of the Philippines”—reached super typhoon status on Sunday ahead of its expected landfall late at night.
Catanduanes, which forecasters said could take a “direct hit,” was already being battered by winds and heavy rain, with waves surging over coastal streets.
“The waves started roaring around 7 am (2300 GMT Saturday). When the waves hit the seawall, it felt like the ground was shaking,” said Edson Casarino, 33, a resident of Virac. “Heavy rain is pouring now, and I can hear the wind whistling.”
Provincial rescue official Roberto Monterola told AFP that residents had been securing their homes with ropes and anchors.
“They decided to do our tradition of strapping down the roofs with big ropes and anchoring them on the ground, so they won’t be blown away by the wind,” he said.
In Sorsogon, residents sought shelter in churches. “I’m here because the waves near my house are now huge. I live near the shore, and the winds there are now very strong,” said Maxine Dugan.
Government meteorologist Benison Estareja said the storm could bring “about 200 millimetres (eight inches) or more” of rain and warned that “it’s also possible that our major river basins will overflow.”
Still counting the dead from Kalmaegi
The Philippines is still reeling from Typhoon Kalmaegi—known locally as Tino—which struck the central provinces just days earlier, killing at least 204 people and leaving 109 missing.
Experts described Kalmaegi as “the deadliest of 2025,” after it “swept away cars, riverside shanties, and massive shipping containers” across Cebu and other Visayan islands.
Rescue teams have suspended operations as Uwan approaches. “We cannot risk the safety of our rescuers. We don’t want them to be the next casualties,” said Cebu rescue official Myrra Daven.
“We’re expecting this number to increase, because there are still areas we cannot penetrate. Some access routes are still blocked by soil and other things,” she added.
Scientists, AFP noted, “warn that storms are becoming more powerful due to human-driven climate change,” as warmer oceans and a hotter atmosphere allow typhoons to strengthen faster and produce heavier rainfall.
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