For many Filipinos, Christmas is synonymous with family reunions and joyful gatherings. However, for a journalist assigned to work in Pampanga and La Union for several years, the season often brought a wave of sadness, being far from loved ones in Cebu. This feeling turned to sheer anxiety in December 2021, when Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) ravaged the Visayas.
A Harrowing Journey Home After Typhoon Odette
The typhoon struck Cebu on December 16, 2021, leaving a trail of destruction. Stranded and unable to fly directly home, the writer had to travel to Manila from Clark to secure a flight back, as Cebu-bound trips were scarce. Communication was nearly impossible with telecommunication facilities down in the storm's aftermath.
After two agonizing days of waiting, the flight to Mactan finally departed. The view upon descent was heartbreaking: smashed houses, roofs torn off, uprooted trees, and debris scattered everywhere. The drive from the airport felt endless, but the ultimate relief came upon arriving home. Seeing the family safe and the house still standing was an emotional moment that underscored what truly matters.
A Series of Tragedies: Earthquakes and Typhoons Batter Cebu
This personal memory is a stark reminder that while many celebrate, others face immense hardship. Recently, fires in Pardo, Cebu City, and in Guizo and Tipolo in Mandaue City have added to the community's distress. These incidents followed even larger-scale calamities that have tested Cebu's resilience in recent months.
On September 30, 2025, a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit Northern Cebu. The disaster resulted in at least 79 fatalities, over 1,200 injuries, and damage to more than 10,000 houses, alongside numerous churches, hospitals, roads, and buildings.
Roughly a month later, on November 4, Typhoon Tino swept through the province. Its impact was devastating: at least 147 people killed, nearly 2,000 injured, 43 missing, and over 200,000 individuals displaced. Entire villages and subdivisions were destroyed. Just three days after, on November 7, Typhoon Uwan battered Cebu with fierce winds, torrential rains, and storm surges, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and damage to public infrastructure in areas like Lapu-Lapu City, San Remigio, and Medellin.
The Call for Compassion and Continued Aid This Christmas
In response to these consecutive crises, officials like Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival rallied the nation for support. The outpouring of aid showcased the remarkable bayanihan spirit of Cebuanos and Filipinos, who came together to alleviate the suffering of their fellow citizens.
Yet, the struggle is far from over. Many families remain homeless and grieving. The search for missing loved ones continues, and relief goods, though vital, are temporary. Survivors now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ruins.
This Christmas, the story urges everyone to look beyond their own festivities. Extending love and generosity to the less fortunate—perhaps by visiting evacuation centers, orphanages, homes for the elderly, or charity wards—can bring profound meaning to the holidays. In the spirit of true Filipino Christmas, let our prayers be accompanied by tangible acts of kindness that offer hope and a reason to find joy amidst recovery.
