Typhoon Tino's Devastation Across Cebu Communities
When Typhoon Tino struck the Philippines on November 9, 2025, it delivered more than just heavy rainfall—it exposed deep-seated systemic failures across Cebu. The storm transformed familiar landscapes into disaster zones, with the same patterns of flooding and the same political responses that have characterized previous calamities.
Amid the chaos, the resilient spirit of Cebuanos echoed through the phrase "Kaya ra ni" (We can handle this), but many are beginning to question whether this enduring mindset has enabled governmental neglect and inadequate disaster preparedness.
Communities Submerged: Personal Stories of Loss
In Villa del Rio, Barangay Bacayan, the floodwaters arrived unexpectedly during the night, rising rapidly before dawn. Residents described cars floating like paper boats as brown, swirling water consumed their properties. One father waded through chest-deep floodwaters clutching his young son in one arm and a bag of rice—their remaining food supply—in the other.
From a neighboring two-story house, desperate cries of "Tabang! Ang tubig nisaka sa kisame!" (Help! The water reached the ceiling!) pierced through the storm's roar. By morning, the entire community resembled a lake, with vehicles stacked like dominoes and mud coating every surface.
Long-time residents confirmed this was the worst flooding they had ever experienced, pointing to environmental factors like concrete replacing green spaces, rivers narrowed by encroachments, and unfinished flood-control projects as contributing factors.
Mananga River Transforms into Destructive Force
The Mananga River, which flows from Talisay through southern towns, became a destructive torrent during the typhoon. Residents in Campo 7 and Lawaan awoke to what sounded like thunder but was actually the roar of angry, black water rushing through their communities.
Mang Ronald, a trisikad driver, attempted to save his sidecar livelihood but watched helplessly as the powerful current swept it away along with his footwear. Further downstream, rescue workers discovered a teenage girl clinging to her schoolbag, her notebooks preserved inside—a heartbreaking symbol of dreams threatened by the disaster.
Regional Impact: Liloan, Consolacion, and Compostela
The typhoon's impact extended across multiple Cebu municipalities. In Liloan, a young couple spent the night on their rooftop as floodwaters consumed their wedding photos and furniture purchased through installment plans. "We thought we'd built a home," the husband reflected, "but the water reminded us we only borrowed the land."
Consolacion witnessed a grandmother from Nangka crossing what was once a road—now a rushing canal—while carrying her two grandchildren in a basin. She whispered, "Mas lisod ni kaysa sa panahon ni Yolanda" (This is harder than during Yolanda's time), her voice cracking with emotion.
In Compostela, fishermen secured their boats to coconut trees as the sea transformed from livelihood source to enemy. Ka Erick, staring at his destroyed boat, declared, "Dili ni baha lang, kini silot kini" (This isn't just a flood, this is punishment).
Human Cost and Systemic Failures
Among the most poignant stories was that of Tatay Arki, a retired OFW who spent 20 years in Dubai saving to build his dream retirement home beside the riverbank. The flood destroyed everything—his documents, medals, and photographs of his late wife. "I worked my whole life so I could finally live in peace," he said softly, gazing at the ruins of his living room. "But now, it feels like I never left at all."
While families struggled for survival, the political response followed familiar patterns. A governor posed for photographs without presenting concrete, long-term solutions. Officials blamed "unprecedented rainfall," ignoring the role of infrastructure neglect and environmental degradation.
The Call for Justice and Systemic Change
The hashtag #BangonCebu (Rise Cebu) circulated on social media, but many residents are demanding #JusticeForCebu instead. This call for justice encompasses:
- Families across Villa del Rio, Mananga, Liloan, Consolacion, and Compostela who lost everything to negligence
- Taxpayers whose money funded incomplete drainage projects
- Children growing up believing floods are normal childhood experiences
The article concludes with a powerful challenge to Cebuanos: "We've already mastered endurance—now it's time to master outrage." The author urges residents to respond differently the next time officials offer comforting words, suggesting the reply should be: "Oo, pero dili na ni pwede" (Yes, but this can't continue).
True strength, the piece argues, isn't demonstrated by surviving another flood but by breaking the cycle that keeps communities underwater. While resilience has kept Cebuanos standing through rain and pain, only justice can break what has become an endless chain of disaster and recovery.
