For Ruben and Jonnely Benitez, life in their village in Bagamanoc, Catanduanes, is a rhythm dictated by the seasons. The couple worked hard to build a stable life for their five young children.

During the fishing season, from August to October, Ruben, 34, would dive into the clear waters, his livelihood dependent on the quality of his catch. When the harvest arrived, he turned to the land, processing coconuts for and stripping abaca for fiber. He’d pick up his tools and work as a carpenter if times were lean. His steady hands provided for his family and ensured that there was always food on the table and that their children could attend school.

Their life changed when Typhoon Pepito struck. The storm tore the roof from their home and ruined their belongings. The family took shelter in an evacuation center for a few days. The couple worked together to salvage what tin and other materials they could find to piece their roof back together.

The storm had washed away more than just their home. The coconut and abaca crops were damaged, leaving Ruben without his usual work.

“I also couldn’t go dive fishing,” Ruben recalled. “The water was murky after the storm.”

For two months, the family relied on the local government’s assistance, but the goods they received were often not enough for their family of seven.

The immediate assistance from the Gates Foundation was a big help. They received food and other important household items for cooking and sleeping. This was a great relief for Jonnely, who cooks for the family every day.

“I cooked nutritious food for my family,” she said. “We had mung beans, dried fish, and eggs. We even had chicken.” She added that her children were glad to eat meat again.

The 75 kilos of rice they received lasted for two months. This help allowed Ruben to focus on finding work. He started earning an income again by helping his neighbors fix their own damaged homes.

“I didn’t have to worry about where our next meal would come from,” Ruben explained. “I focused on earning a living to cover our daily expenses and support our children’s schooling.”

Today, the family is still getting back on its feet. Because their work depends on the seasons, they hope another big storm doesn’t come soon. Ruben and Jonnely continue to work hard to rebuild their life, showing the quiet strength of a family facing an uncertain future.