UMCOR supports tree-planting project in Philippines

United Methodists are planting native trees in a flood-prone area on the island of Palawan. The reforestation project is a joint venture between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Manila Episcopal Area. Bread of Life United Methodist Church in the area has flooded several times in the past, and residents hope the tree planting will result in a long-term solution. Jhoanna Ragasa, Cedric Sagun and John Rey Velasco report from the Philippines, with photos by Cheryl Regnim and Jerry Dumaya.

Watch video

News media contact: Julie Dwyer at [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Mission and Ministry
The Rev. Ayoub Samuel Ali Kori, district superintendent in Nasr City-Ramses United Methodist Church, joins church members during a joint Christmas carol service organized by Arbawnus United Methodist Church at a rented venue in Zahra, Egypt. Despite not having any physical church buildings, Arbawnus and two other United Methodist congregations in the region have become a sanctuary for refugees fleeing war in Sudan. File photo by Fifiana Ayoub.

Churches help refugees in Egypt find belonging

Despite the lack of facilities, three United Methodist congregations near Cairo provide physical and spiritual nourishment to those who need help.
Disaster Relief
The Rev. Godfrey Gaga (right,) Malawi Provisional Conference superintendent, removes the ribbon from the door of Annie Katumbi’s new home in Ngabu Village in Chikwawa, Malawi. The house was built as part of the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Phase 2 recovery efforts after Cyclone Freddy devastated the area in 2023. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News.

3 years after cyclone, recovery continues in Malawi

Phase 2 of the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Cyclone Freddy recovery initiative is delivering long-term shelter, clean water and agricultural support across cyclone-affected districts.
Disaster Relief
Volunteers from the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Disaster Management Office in the East Congo Episcopal Area supervise the sorting and distribution of food in the courtyard of Amani Parish in Goma, Congo. The monthly assistance program provided aid to 300 vulnerable United Methodist households affected by armed conflict in North Kivu. Photo by Jolie Shabani Mulebinge, UM News.

Church supports families affected by war in Congo

United Methodist Committee on Relief distributes monthly food kits to 300 vulnerable families and a church orphanage in Goma.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved