Manila, Sept. 26 -- Dioceses in the Bicol region are opening their churches for those who will be affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong, which is expected to hit the region this weekend.

In separate announcements, the Dioceses of Legazpi and Daet said they are ready to accept evacuees in all churches under their jurisdiction.

"Open churches, chapels, parish halls, and other safe facilities to evacuees; and Activate Parish Disaster Response Committees (PaDReCom) in coordination with the Diocesan Commission on Social Concerns (DCS) and the Social Action Center (SAC)," the Legazpi diocese said in a social media post on Thursday.

Also, it asked the public to pray as the storm approaches the province.

"Parishes in the Diocese of Legazpi ...