For Liezel, 33, and her husband, Mark Anthony, 35, life in their village in Pandan, Catanduanes, was built on hard work. As a cook at a nearby resort and a construction worker, they earned a decent income together, enough to provide for their two children.

Their stable life was turned upside down when Typhoon Pepito struck. The storm’s powerful winds tore the roof and walls from their house. With their home destroyed, the family had to stay with Liezel’s sister for over a month.

The typhoon took more than just their home; it took their jobs. It damaged the resort where Liezel worked and halted all construction projects in the area. With no income, the family relied on government food aid to survive. After a month, the resort reopened, but with only Liezel working, the family struggled to afford enough food. Her husband was not able to get back to work until February.

“It was difficult because this was the first time we experienced a typhoon that destroyed our house and stripped our savings,” Liezel said.

The experience also left a lasting impact on her children. “Every time it rains hard, they get scared,” she shared.

In March, CARE and its partner TABI, with support from the Gates Foundation, came to their village with food, kitchen items, and sleeping materials. This support which included 75 kilos of rice and other food items, like chicken, was essential to keep going.

“I saw how my children were smiling from ear to ear, especially when I fried the chicken. It was their favorite meal, even before the typhoon,” she said.

With enough food to last their small family for the next three months, Liezel felt a sense of relief she hadn’t felt in months.

“As a cook, I always worry about my children’s food,” she said. “And I was so happy that they got to eat well again.”

This support provided the stability her family needed to get back on their feet.