November 2024 — Pride Cares, the disaster response, relief, and care program of Open Table Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), launched a donation drive to support two queer-led organizations in Bicol and Eastern Samar — regions severely impacted by Typhoon Kristine (International Name: Trami).
The donation drive, which began on October 23, 2024, aimed to raise ₱50,000 to assist affected communities. This goal was reached on November 4, 2024, and by the end of the campaign, the total amount collected exceeded expectations, reaching ₱53,494.37.
The global denomination Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC), with which Open Table MCC is affiliated, donated ₱28,844.37 — about half of the total funds collected during the said donation drive.
The funds were turned over to Gayon Albay LGBT in Bicol and San Julian Pride Advocacy Group in Eastern Samar — two LGBTQIA+ organizations operating in typhoon-stricken areas — with each receiving ₱25,000. The remaining amount from the collected donations was retained by Pride Cares as additional funds for future projects.
In Eastern Samar, San Julian Pride used the donation to procure 50 care packages containing rice, noodles, canned goods, powdered milk, and sugar. A total of 32 senior citizens and 28 indigent individuals benefited from the assistance.
Similarly, in Bicol, Gayon Albay LGBT launched the “Itlog at Karne Project” (“Egg and Meat Project”), through which they purchased pork and trays of eggs for distribution to 68 individuals.
This effort reaffirmed Pride Cares’ commitment to standing in solidarity with vulnerable communities, especially queer individuals in times of crisis. It also underscored the importance of inclusive disaster relief, embodying Jesus’ love and compassion through responsive care for queer and marginalized individuals affected by disasters. #
If you wish to support Pride Cares, please visit our Donate page. Your contribution is secure and will go directly toward helping indigent LGBTQ Filipinos receive the care and support they deserve.