Barely a month after the earthquake that claimed lives and disrupted communities in Cebu, the province faced another challenge. On November 4, 2025, Typhoon Tino swept across the Visayas, dropping more than a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours.
The torrential rain triggered severe flooding, resulting in loss of life and widespread property damage. In Cebu, many neighborhoods found themselves underwater. Families climbed to higher ground as the water rose. When the rains finally stopped, residents returned to homes covered in mud and belongings soaked from the flood. The water had disappeared, but the work to rebuild was only beginning.
For many families, the initial worry quickly gave way to the difficult task of cleaning up. Floors and walls were covered in mud, and appliances and furniture were damaged beyond repair. Parents focused on removing what they could, while older residents carefully navigated through homes that no longer felt stable.
In Liloan, one of the hardest-hit municipalities, the cleanup seemed overwhelming. People stepped outside to assess what was left and figure out how to start over.
Genalyn, a resident of Jubay in Liloan, shared the challenges she faced due to the devastating effects of the typhoon.
"Until now, we still lack electricity and have a limited water supply. But we are thankful because someone came here to our area, which is very far from the main entrance," she said.
Select VoiceCom (SVC) volunteers gathered to assemble cleaning kits that would help residents deal with the immediate mess left behind. SVC prepared 150 bags filled with essential items, including push brooms, antibacterial soap, garbage bags, gloves, laundry detergent, alcohol, and other basic supplies, to help families begin restoring their homes.
While simple, these items offered a practical boost to people facing long days of cleaning. SVC volunteers personally delivered the kits to affected communities in Jubay, Liloan. Families welcomed the assistance, grateful for the help during an already difficult time.
"The cleaning kits are a big help because we are still cleaning our homes and salvaging whatever we can," said Anna, another resident of Jubay.
After Liloan, SVC also reached residents in Bacayan, Cebu City, where many families lost clothing and personal belongings to the flood. The team delivered three boxes of employee-donated clothing items, offering comfort to those who were still drying what remained from the storm.
It was a small gesture, but for families who had lost so much, clothes meant relief after days of uncertainty and hardship.
SVC's support went beyond providing supplies and clothing items. Volunteers listened as residents shared their experiences during the storm and how they were working toward recovery.
In between conversations, they assisted with carrying items, sorting belongings, and helping families resume the slow process of rebuilding. These moments of connection offered reassurance that no one had to face the situation alone.
The back-to-back challenges of the earthquake and Typhoon Tino left Cebu with losses that will take time to heal. Even so, the resilience of its people remains unmistakable. It is evident in neighbors helping one another clean their homes and in organizations stepping forward to ease the load.
Hope doesn't always come in big gestures. Sometimes it appears through a cleaning kit, a helping hand, or a volunteer showing up when it matters most. As Cebu rebuilds, it will move forward through the strength of a community that continues to look out for one another. — Jobert Garganta, Select VoiceCom
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