Fo Guang Shan, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, and the Malaysian Consulate Bring Relief to Fire Victims in Davao

By BLIA News | Davao, Philippines

Responding to the needs of families affected by a devastating fire in Davao City, Fo Guang Shan Philippines, in collaboration with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and the Consulate of Malaysia in Davao, carried out a humanitarian relief mission on July 5, bringing emergency supplies and encouragement to 152 affected families in the fishing community of Barangay Ilang.

The relief delegation included Venerable Jue Lin, Superintendent of Mabuhay Temple; Venerable Zhi Rong; Tan Tian Hwang, Supervisor of the Jishun Subchapter of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Philippines; Tian Qing-Lin; representatives of the Malaysian Fo Guang Civil Defense and Rescue Team; and Mr. Deddy, Consul of Malaysia in Davao. The mission was organized at the invitation of Sherrila Porza Sawah, Regional Director of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) – Davao Region.

Upon entering the affected community, the delegation witnessed the extensive damage left by the fire. Although many homes had been reduced to ashes, numerous fishing families chose to remain on their ancestral land, constructing temporary shelters from salvaged advertising tarpaulins while beginning the difficult task of rebuilding. Because many houses in the coastal village had originally been built on concrete foundations and pillars to withstand ocean tides, portions of these structures survived the blaze and now serve as the foundation for reconstruction.

According to local officials, the fire began during a power outage when a child who had been left alone at home lit a candle for illumination. The flame accidentally ignited a curtain, and the fire spread rapidly through the closely built wooden houses, leaving 152 families homeless. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but many residents lost their homes and essential belongings overnight.

Joining the humanitarian mission were members of the Malaysian Fo Guang Civil Defense and Rescue Team, including Honorary Lieutenant Lee Fook Choy, Vice President Cheah Kong Peng, and team members Tan Kah Ong and Ng Kian Hui, who worked together with local volunteers to distribute relief supplies.

During the distribution ceremony, Sherrila Porza Sawah expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Fo Guang Shan, the Consulate of Malaysia in Davao, and all compassionate supporters whose generosity transcended religious and national boundaries. She noted that their assistance had brought not only practical relief but also hope and encouragement to families facing tremendous hardship.

Mr. Deddy, Consul of Malaysia in Davao, remarked that disasters recognize neither nationality nor religion. At times of crisis, cooperation, solidarity, and mutual support are essential in helping affected families rebuild their lives and regain hope for the future.

Venerable Jue Lin shared that Fo Guang Shan upholds the founding vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun—"to benefit society through compassionate service." Beyond providing material assistance, the relief mission sought to offer emotional support and companionship to those suffering from loss. Witnessing residents remain steadfast despite the destruction of their homes was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. He expressed hope that, through the collective compassion and generosity of society, even greater positive energy could be gathered to help families rebuild their homes and restore their lives.

This humanitarian mission, carried out through cooperation across religious communities and national borders, delivered essential relief supplies to 152 affected households while demonstrating the shared values of compassion, solidarity, and mutual care. More than material assistance, it brought warmth, encouragement, and renewed hope to a community taking its first steps toward recovery.