ADRA Responds to Flood-Hit Communities in South Philippines

Residents affected by flooding in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur, line up to receive food aid distributed by ADRA Philippines, as local police help maintain order during the relief operation on May 17, 2025.

ZPM Communication Department

ADRA Responds to Flood-Hit Communities in South Philippines

Zamboanga Peninsula Mission

In the wake of severe flooding caused by heavy rains brought by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Philippines mobilized immediate assistance to flood-affected families in the municipality of Kumalarang, distributing 600 food packages to those in need.

The flooding, which occurred on May 17, 2025, claimed the life of a farmer, affected 1,227 households, and damaged nearly 50 hectares of rice fields. Local officials said the disaster has significantly threatened food security and livelihoods in the area.

ADRA Philippines, the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, coordinated with local community leaders to identify the most severely impacted families. Relief operations included food packages containing essential items to help families sustain themselves during the early phase of recovery.

The Adventist Community Services (ACS) chapter in the area, led by Pastor Jeramel Punay, assisted in the repacking and distribution of food items. Pastor Carmelito Asoy, ACS director for the Adventist Church in Zamboanga (ZPM), reaffirmed the Church’s ongoing commitment to serve during emergencies and pledged continued support in coordination with ADRA.

“Relief knows no boundaries,” said Mark Morta, ADRA’s Emergency Response Coordinator, who led the Kumalarang response. “We are committed to helping communities rebuild after disasters. Providing food relief is just one part of our mission to support families during these difficult times.”

Vice Mayor Pinky Molina expressed gratitude on behalf of the municipality. “We deeply appreciate the generosity and compassion shown to Kumalarang during this difficult time,” Molina said, emphasizing the value of collaboration between government and humanitarian groups in times of crisis.

In a related incident, at least three communities were affected by flooding when heavy rains inundated Barangay Rebokon in nearby Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, on Sunday, May 25. Local authorities reported that floodwaters rose quickly due to debris blocking a waterway. The situation improved after a declogging operation was carried out, allowing the floodwaters to subside.

Local officials and humanitarian agencies continue to monitor the situation and assess long-term recovery needs. Leaders are calling for additional support from the national government and private sector, particularly in rehabilitating agricultural areas and restoring farmers’ livelihoods.

ADRA Philippines remains active in its disaster response efforts, reaffirming its mission to serve vulnerable communities throughout the country.

The original article was published on the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission website.

Zamboanga Peninsula Mission

Adventist Church in Vietnam Joins Harvest 2025 Initiative

MVC Breaks Ground for Hemodialysis Building, Strengthens Commitment to Health Ministry

East and West Indonesia Couples Unite to "Cherish the Love"

Manila Adventist College Celebrates Top 7 PTLE Achievement

Hands That Speak: Deaf Ministry Missionaries from the Philippines Head to GC Session

Pathfinder Camporee in Cambodia Draws Over 600 Youth Leaders

Adventist Hospital Penang Elevates Interventional Care with New Imaging System

Adventist Pastors in Cambodia Gear Up for Online Outreach

Adventist Medical Center-Bacolod Expands Patient Care With 26 New Beds

Adventist Church in Northern Sabah Breaks Ground for New Headquarters

COMMLAB Empowers Adventist Hospitals to Strengthen Brand and Mission Identity

A Life Forged in Faith and Fire

Churches in Southern Asia-Pacific Commences with Phase 2 of Harvest 2025

Adventist Training Center Inaugurated in South Philippines

Adventist Nursing Graduates Excel in May 2025 Licensure Exam in the Philippines

Adventurer Club in Hanoi Holds Second Investiture Ceremony, Marks Growth in Membership and Ministry

Women’s Ministries in the Southern Asia-Pacific Region Launches Scholarship Drive for Young Girls in Adventist Schools

Andersson Shares Message on Forgiveness at SSD Midyear Meetings

Adventist Church Approves Creation of Northeastern Thailand Region

Midyear Meetings in the Southern Asia-Pacific Region Gather Leaders Ahead of General Conference Session

Adventist Community in the Philippines Mourns Loss After Tragic Accident; Appeals for Prayers and Emotional Support

Adventist Medical School Surpasses National Passing Rate in 2025 Physician Licensure Exams

Adventist Church in Western Visayas Celebrates 111 Years of Faith and Service

Urban Center of Influence in Cambodia Celebrates 44 Baptisms

Thousands Unite for Powerful Elders’ Evangelistic Outreach in the Southwestern Philippines