The Diocese of Chalan Kanoa is joining in the community effort to help in the Rota recovery. Typhoon Mangkhut hit the island of Rota last Monday causing devastation on the residents’ homes and communities’ infrastructures that leaves the whole island without electricity. There are also at least 55 persons who are still living in various designated shelters.
On Wednesday, September 12, 2018, Bishop Ryan issued a letter to all the priests, deacons, religious and diocesan staff to coordinate a diocesan wide effort to assist in Rota recovery. In coordination with Lauri Ogumoro, Executive Director of KARIDAT and Fr. Allan Cabatian, OAR, Chairperson of the Diocesan Social Justice Commission, Bishop Ryan determined that the fastest and most efficient way for the diocese to help is to buy non-perishable food and water from a local company in Rota and distribute those items to those in need. In this way, there will be no need to worry about shipping donated food items from Saipan to Rota and at the same time the diocese will also be supporting local businesses in Rota. KARIDAT’s staff will be coordinating the actual distribution in the island.
Bishop Ryan encourages parishioners who would like to help in Rota recovery effort to give monetary donations to KARIDAT. Checks can be made payable to KARIDAT. Each parish will be responsible in giving their donations to Lauri Ogumoro or Judy Pangelinan of KARIDAT.
