WHEN RESILIENCY AND HOPE COLLIDE: THE STORY OF RECOVERY AND SUCCESS OF BACAYAN, COT-COT LILOAN AND TALISAY

On the day, when typhoon Tino, also known as “Kalmaegi” as international name. It brought strong winds and volume of rains poured in Cebu region, causing the heavy floods in the area. One of the most affected areas Bacayan, Cot-cot, and Talisay City, Cebu where according to the verified report, there were casualties recorded and many families were displaced and took temporary shelters in schools and covered courts. During those days, we can recall and testify how terrifying the typhoon was, it left hundreds of people lived in despair and loneliness. The felicity on their faces was abruptly disappeared. The communities who were in utmost tranquility became ghost towns, where flood-damaged cars were in every corner of the streets and casualties buried beneath the sand and debris. The typhoon destroyed everything in the community, as well as the community's essential identity. These communities experienced a time when people had to deal with their painful feelings and faces three major losses which included their family members, their homes and livelihoods.

Thus, the SSHJM- Cebu with the support of Misean Cara, delivered an urgent aid to the typhoon survivors to temporarily address the shortage of necessities. The humanitarian relief operations did not only distribute food and water, but also essential non-food items such as blankets, hygiene kits and basic household supplies which helped families regain a sense of stability in the aftermath of chaos. Furthermore, the organization provided psychological and psychosocial support to these affected places to gain psychological well-being. These supports are paramount for their recovery as important both for individuals and society because it helps build community resilience. Psychology teaches how to develop empathy, nurture relationships and improve productivity.

These communities regained their happiness and children started to smile despite of the circumstances that they have experienced. It is indeed true that there are rainbows after the rain, that reminds us that in every challenge that we encountered in our lives, we must not give up, instead we must uphold and strengthen our faiths.  The resiliency of the survivors of these communities are true indication and testament that behind every pain, and sufferings, we can bounce back and fix the shattered pieces of ourselves and continue to live.

Today, the communities of Bacayan, Cot-cot and Talisay Bacayan are a living proof of how people can overcome challenges through their unity and dedication. The SSHJM-Cebu with the support of Misean Cara greatly helped the people in these communities toward transformation and recovery. Our simple gestures of humanitarian support remind us that even a simple matter can create a huge impact to the lives of others. Thus, we must continue to be faithful and resilient in our daily lives, as faith is always bigger than the storm.