At 63 and 64 years old, Linda and Avelino delos Santos have spent their lives working hard in the village of San Rafael, Bagamanoc, Catanduanes. Linda ran a small store from their home. Avelino worked on nearby abaca and coconut farms, fished when he could, and took construction jobs when they were available.

Their income was never steady and depended on the seasons—a challenge that became harder with age. “Our daily life is hard,” Linda said. “We have to stretch every peso just to get by.”

When Typhoon Pepito hit, it destroyed what little security they had. The storm tore off the roof and walls of their home, forcing them to evacuate. They used a tarp as a temporary roof, but it leaked every time it rained. The typhoon also wiped out their sources of income. The farms were destroyed, leaving Avelino without work. The sea offered little fish, and Linda’s customers no longer had money to spend. Food prices in the market rose sharply.

“We couldn’t even afford vegetables—they cost as much as meat,” Linda said.

Relief came when CARE and its local partner, TABI, supported by the Gates Foundation, delivered essential food and household supplies. The impact was immediate.

“We had enough food to last more than two months, and we were glad to share some with my siblings,” Linda said.

With food no longer a daily concern, the couple could focus on their health and begin repairing their home.