Filipino priests ordained amid typhoon ruins

"No trial or storm or typhoon can destroy our resolve"

Seven Catholic priests were ordained on Monday amid the ruins of the centuries-old cathedral in the archdiocese of Palo, Leyte province, which was devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan on November 8. 

"We may have lost everything, but our faith is becoming stronger ever. No trial or storm or typhoon can destroy our resolve to have faith in Jesus. And it should be manifested in action," Fr Amadeo Alvero, the archdiocese's spokesman, told ucanews.com.

He said the ordination of the seven new priests is a "concrete action" to show the people's faith in God despite the devastation brought about by Typhoon Haiyan that, according to the latest count, has killed more than 5,000 people and affected 11 million others.

Up to 95 percent of structures in the town, including churches, were destroyed by the typhoon. "We are still not so sure where we will get the funds for the repairs considering that everybody here is a victim," Alvero said.

He was speaking two weeks after the typhoon battered the provinces of Samar and Leyte, as people slowly start to build their lives anew.

Jerry Yaokasin, vice-mayor of Tacloban City, said the city council is already preparing a rehabilitation plan. "The relocation site for housing will be our priority," he said.