Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President and Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles has called on the faithful to continue to help the needy amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a circular, the Church leader acknowledged the fear, anxiety, and hardships experienced by those who were badly affected by the pandemic particularly the daily wage earners.

“We are all suffering but let us again challenge ourselves to continue helping the neediest families in our midst. Let us continue bringing food packs and other forms of assistance to them,” Archbishop Valles said.

The Church supports the existence of community pantry stations that have sprouted in different parts of the country to help families who are in need while reminding the public to observe strict health protocols.

For his part, Bishop Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace said, “the love of Christ compels us to act. It is difficult when all of us have to deal with our own difficulties and sufferings. But our faith in Jesus tells us to look first to those who are most in need. I would like to believe that true charity does not stop even when that charity and care come from people who themselves are in great need.”