LUBAO, Pampanga — September 15, 2026 — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints formally turned over ₱2.2 million worth of relief assistance on September 15 to support families affected by the recent flooding in Pampanga.
An estimated 2,000 families, representing approximately 10,000 individuals, will benefit from the humanitarian assistance.
The multi-municipality turnover, held at the Lubao Stake Center, was conducted in coordination with the Office of Pampanga Second District Representative and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the local governments of Lubao, Floridablanca, and Guagua.
Arroyo joined Lubao Mayor Esmeralda “Esmie” Pineda, Floridablanca Mayor Michael Galang, and Guagua Mayor Anthony “Tonton” Torres, along with Church leaders and volunteers, for the turnover.
Arroyo thanked the Church for responding to families affected by the flooding and highlighted its continuing humanitarian partnership with communities in her district.
“Salamat king The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints kaniting relief operation para kareng mekalbug anyang metungbulan a Habagat. Atin pang marakal a project ding Latter-day Saints king distritu tamu,” Arroyo said.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Lubao, Pineda expressed gratitude for the assistance extended to affected families.
“In behalf of the people of Lubao, the Lubeños, magpasalamatku pu king The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints king relief goods a binye yu pu. Maragul pung bage ini karengcabalen ku. Sana dacal kayu pa pu asaupan,” Mayor Pineda said.
Guagua Mayor Torres likewise thanked the Church, emphasizing how the assistance would help residents recoveringfrom the floods.
“Sa ngalan po ng aming bayan ng Guagua, Pampanga, sa The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, maraming salamat po sa tulong na ipinagkaloob ninyo para sa mga kababayannaming nasalanta. Malaking tulong po ito para sa kanila,” Mayor Torres said.
Floridablanca Mayor Galang expressed his municipality’s appreciation for the support received amid the challenges brought by the Habagat.
“Nagpapasalamat po ang bayan ng Floridablanca sa The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sa tulong na ibinigay ninyopo sa amin, lalo na sa panahon ng aming mga challenges, lalo naitong Habagat,” Mayor Galang said.
Ivan Anthony Hirro, President of the Lubao Philippines Stake, said the relief effort gave local Latter-day Saints an opportunity to work alongside government leaders and volunteers in serving their neighbors.
“Isang napakalaking privilege po ito para sa Lubao Philippines Stake na makibahagi sa relief efforts na ito, in coordination with Cong. Gloria Arroyo, lahat ng mga mayors, at lahat ng mgavolunteers—para makibahagi sa pag-express po ng pagmamahalsa mga naapektuhan ng nakaraang pagbaha,” President Hirro said.
The September 15 turnover followed the World Humanitarian Day Friendship Luncheon held on September 10 in Quezon City, where Arroyo joined Church and humanitarian leaders in the ceremonial signing of a Deed of Donation for the Pampanga flood response.
For Latter-day Saints, caring for people in need is an important expression of their faith. Members of the Church are encouraged to fast for two consecutive meals once a month and donate at least the value of the meals they would have eaten as a fast offering. These contributions help provide assistance to those in need. Church members also contribute to humanitarian efforts that provide emergency relief and other assistance to communities around the world.
The Pampanga relief initiative reflects the continuing collaboration among The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Office of the Second District Representative, and the local governments of Lubao, Floridablanca, and Guagua in responding to communities affected by disasters, regardless of faith or background.