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Living on the Edge: Rebuilding Life Where the Sea Took Everything

  • Mary Therese Norbe
  • Disaster Response, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories

Charmine Rudolfo and Jay Vallestin, both 25, live with their two children in San Antonio, Panganiban, Catanduanes. For six years, they have built a life near the sea. Jay fishes for shrimp and crabs, while Charmine takes care of their children and home.

Living close to the sea has its costs, especially when storms and typhoons strike. When Typhoon Pepito hit, strong winds and rising waves destroyed everything. Their home, made of plywood and thatched nipa leaves, was swept away. “We lost everything to the sea,” Charmine said.

For a month, the family stayed in an unused space in their village leader’s house. They relied on government food support for their daily survival. Jay would go out to sea for hours, hoping to catch enough to feed the family and earn a little income. Sometimes, he would return with nothing. The uncertainty of each day weighed heavily on them.

Photo: Jay shows the juvenile crabs he caught that were packed and ready to be sold to mud crab growers.

Their children still feel scared when it rains heavily. The sound of strong winds or pounding rain brings back memories of the typhoon. As parents, Charmine and Jay find this heartbreaking. They want their children to feel safe again.

Determined to rebuild, they borrowed money to buy lumber and hire a carpenter. Though the interest was high, they took the loan because they had no other option. However, the funds were still not enough. They used scrap GI sheets for walls and gathered sand and pebbles from the shore to create a temporary floor.

When CARE, through the UNCERF-funded emergency response, arrived in their community, they assessed the damages and the needs of the most affected people. Charmine and Jay’s family qualified for shelter repair kits and multi-purpose cash assistance. These resources gave them the support they needed to begin rebuilding their home with dignity and hope.

With the materials and cash assistance, they began rebuilding together. Jay helped the carpenter after fishing trips, and Charmine hauled sand and gravel.

“We worked together to save on labor costs,” Charmine said.

Today, their house is still a work in progress. The walls need to be completed with plywood and properly braced. The floor remains unfinished, but they plan to buy cement to make it sturdier and safer for their children. The kitchen also still needs to be built, so Charmine can once again cook meals in a space of her own. The roof also needs to be reinforced to withstand strong winds. With the rainy season usually beginning in June, they are doing their best to prepare and protect their family.

Photo: Jay readies the crab traps in preparation for another fishing trip while Charmine cleans the catch for selling.

“It is small, but we have big dreams,” Jay said. “We are working hard so we can make it stronger and one day move to a safer place.”

Sharing strength after the storm

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.

A Favorite Meal After the Storm

  • Mary Therese Norbe
  • Featured Stories, Food & Nutrition, Latest News & Stories

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.

Photo: A family waits for a boat to carry their food, kitchen items and sleeping materials to their village. The food could last a family of five for 2-3 months while they recover their livelihood.

“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.

Rising from the Storm: Corazon’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

  • CARE Philippines
  • Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Stories of Change

Corazon Malano, 72, lives in Baang, Catigbian, Bohol, where farming is a way of life. At an early age, she learned the value of hard work on her family’s coconut farm. When she started her own family, coconut farming became her main source of income. Since 1975, she has relied on coconut farming to support her family, send her children to school, provide food, and invest in small ventures, such as raising livestock and growing rice.

For nearly 50 years, her life was shaped by the rhythm of the land and the coconut harvests that her family depended on. “Coconut farming is dependable and brings a reliable income,” she says.

Life as a coconut farmer has always had its challenges. Because the price of copra changes, some seasons were good, while others barely provided enough to get by. In good times, she could earn up to 10,000 pesos from her 200 coconut trees, but during bad times, she had to find other ways to make ends meet. Corazon never considered giving up, despite these struggles.

Then came December 16, 2021. Typhoon Odette, one of the strongest typhoons to hit the Philippines, swept through her community. Its strong winds uprooted coconut trees, destroyed homes, and left entire communities uncertain about the future.

For Corazon, the loss was personal. “It’s like saying goodbye to a family member who has helped us come this far,” she says. The loss was immense, not just financially, but emotionally. Coconut farming had built her life, and now she wondered how to start over.

With most of her coconut trees gone, the future seemed bleak. She worried that recovery would take years and feared that she and other coconut farmers might never get back what they lost.

A Renewed Sense of Hope

Then came the RISE Coco (Recovery Intervention for Severely Affected Coconut Farming Communities of Bohol by Super Typhoon Odette) Project, which brought immediate support and a clear plan for long-term recovery. Through the project, she was able to replant coconut trees and rebuild her farm.

The project’s training was especially helpful. She attended sessions on Good Agricultural Practices and learned new techniques to help her farm succeed. The lessons introduced lasting methods to make her farm resilient in the future. She learned about standard planting practices, like the proper spacing between trees to ensure healthy growth. She also learned how to properly use organic fertilizers to give her trees the right nutrients at the right time.

“I was happy because this project didn’t just help us recover our farms, it also gave us knowledge on how to improve our practices,” she says. “Now, we know how to plant better, how to take care of the trees, and how to ensure that they grow stronger against strong winds and heavy rains.”

Community and Lasting Change

The RISE Coco Project’s Livelihood Support Program also brought much-needed changes. The Baang Organic Small Coconut Farmers Association (BOSCOFA), which Corazon leads, focused on producing organic fertilizer and trading copra. This program gave them another way to earn money while waiting for the new trees to grow. This allowed farmers in the organization to improve their financial situation.

The livelihood support program also provided training to help her and her fellow farmers develop the skills needed to keep their collective business going. She learned how to produce and market organic fertilizers and ensure their group’s financial stability.

“This was a huge help for us,” Corazon shares. “Before, our organization was barely active. But with this program, our members became more engaged. We saw hope, and we worked together to make things better.”

The project’s effects were felt throughout the community. Farmers who had been unsure about the future now had something to work toward. The organization became more active and united. Corazon saw a new sense of purpose among her fellow farmers. Where there was once uncertainty, there was now determination.

For Corazon, the project was not just about recovering lost trees; it was about rebuilding confidence in the future of coconut farming. It gave them the tools to recover and reminded them of their strength as a community.

“The RISE Coco Project has significantly impacted our lives,” she says. “It did not only encourage us to rehabilitate our farms. It also gave hope to the farming families in our community.”

Now, when Corazon looks at the young coconut trees on her farm, she sees more than a source of income. She sees a future where farmers like her are better prepared, more knowledgeable, and more resilient. The road to recovery is still long, but with the right support and a willingness to keep going, she knows they are on the right path.

Story and Photos: Hannson Namoc

The RISE Coco project is a partnership anchored on a global agreement between Cargill and CARE International to work together to implement programs that would rehabilitate livelihoods impacted by disasters, support recovery and promote food security of affected farming communities. It is being implemented by CARE Philippines and its partner, the Cebubohol Relief and Rehabilitation Center.

Surviving Storms: An Abaca Farmer’s Story

  • Mary Therese Norbe
  • Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Women and Girls

Ledesma Tañon, 59, was born into a family of abaca (Manila hemp) farmers and has been deeply involved in farming for as long as she can remember. Alongside her husband, Noe, a dedicated blacksmith, she raised ten children in their home in Brgy. Buyo, Virac, Catanduanes.

She cultivates abaca, root crops, and vegetables on a four-hectare land, ensuring a steady food supply for her family. The income from abaca farming is a crucial source of support, enabling her to cover the family’s daily needs and finance her children’s education.

On December 16, Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi) made landfall in Catanduanes, devastating her farm by toppling nearly all 250 hills of abaca. She was left with only the suckers, which will require two years to mature before any fiber can be harvested. The typhoon also tore off the roof of their home and brought floodwaters that rose to at least 2 meters high. Most of their belongings were damaged, leaving them with little to salvage.

Photo: Several mature abaca plants were destroyed by the typhoon at Ledesma’s farm.

Despite everything, Ledesma remained steadfast. “Starting over is difficult, but I have to be strong for my children”, she said. She shared that this wasn’t the first time they had faced such devastation. “Our house was flooded to the rooftop when Typhoon Rolly happened in 2020. All our crops were destroyed, too”, she added.

Catanduanes is highly prone to typhoons. As the easternmost province of the Philippines, it directly faces the Pacific Ocean and is often the first to be hit by storms entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Its location makes it a frequent target for powerful typhoons, which bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges, often causing flooding and landslides.

The people of Catanduanes, like Ledesma, depend largely on abaca, a crop resilient to drought but highly vulnerable to typhoon damage. In fact, Typhoon Pepito devastated around 23,000 hectares of abaca plantations on the island, which produces 27% of the Philippines’ total abaca fiber supply.

Photo: The hills turned brown after Typhoon Pepito felled most of the trees and crops in Virac.

In October 2021, CARE Philippines introduced the Women Economic Empowerment (WE Empower) Project in Catanduanes to address the impact of Typhoon Rolly on the abaca-based livelihoods of affected communities. The project focused on empowering women and young abaca farmers by providing capacity-building programs, enhancing access to essential services, and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic activities.

Ledesma is one of more than a thousand farmers who participated in the WEE project. She and her fellow farmers organized the Buyo-Dugi-Hicming Farmers Association. They were trained on abaca and root crop by-products, financial management, other relevant business and financial skills, climate-resilient farming techniques, and good agricultural practices. Part of their learning was also on disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation.

When the news forecasted the typhoon’s landfall in Catanduanes, she immediately harvested root crops such as cassava, taro, and sweet potatoes to ensure that they could have something to eat after the deluge.

She also evacuated three sows to a safe location and ensured the processed abaca fibers were stored in a high place to protect them from flooding before leaving for safety. She also brought their meager savings which she used to buy roofing materials and had her sons repair the damage to their home. She also managed to buy some rice though this only lasted a few days.

Through the WEE Project, CARE introduced the aGAP Bangon assistance program, an innovative, market-based emergency relief initiative. The program provides immediate relief packages, including food items and seedlings, to the most vulnerable community members and farmers impacted by natural disasters like Typhoon Pepito.

Ledesma received a 25-kilo sack of rice and vegetable seedlings to supplement the supplies she saved before the typhoon. She plans to use the remaining abaca fiber she saved to weave mats and baskets for sale. Additionally, one of her sows is pregnant, and she intends to sell the piglets to raise funds for restarting her farming activities.

“It’s difficult to start but it gets easier when you have something to start on”, she shared.

#SheHealstheWorld Stories: Emerita

  • Mary Therese Norbe
  • Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Women and Girls

Emerita, 60, has dedicated 32 years of her life to serving as a Community Health Worker in Macalelon, Quezon Province. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of president of the CHWs in her municipality, a role she fulfills with unwavering commitment and passion.

The role of a CHW is crucial for the health and well-being of the barangay. CHWs provide a range of essential services, from administering first aid to accompanying the sick or those in labor to the hospital. Rain or shine, CHWs like her continue their work, ensuring that community members receive the care and assistance they need. In her capacity as president, she also responds to those affected by calamities, showcasing her leadership and dedication to her community’s welfare.

She finds great joy and fulfillment in her work as a CHW. She believes that staying active and engaged in her duties helps keep her mind sharp, preventing forgetfulness and maintaining her mental acuity. This perspective is especially poignant given her personal health challenges.

She is a breast cancer survivor. She underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, all while continuing to fulfill her responsibilities as a CHW. When she was diagnosed with cancer, the CHW coordinator of Quezon advised her to step down from her duties. However, she refused to stop working, finding happiness and purpose in her role despite her serious illness. Her determination and resilience have inspired many in her community.

“I stayed active and continued serving my community. Knowing I was making a difference to others helped me through those difficult times.”

Throughout her illness, her children and the Department of Health (DOH) provided crucial support, covering the costs of her treatment. Even during her treatment, she remained committed to her work, preferring to stay busy and active rather than staying at home. Her unwavering dedication to her duties as a CHW, even in the face of personal health struggles, speaks volumes about her character and commitment.

She emphasizes the importance of extensive knowledge, numerous health-related trainings, and adequate support for CHWs to effectively perform their duties. She believes that continuous education and training are vital for CHWs to stay updated with the latest health care practices and protocols, enabling them to serve their communities better.

Emerita’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and selfless service. Her journey as a CHW, marked by challenges and triumphs, highlights the critical role of community health workers in maintaining public health. Her unwavering commitment to her community, even in the face of adversity, exemplifies the true spirit of a health worker dedicated to the well-being of others.

#SheHealstheWorld Stories: Rhodora

  • Mary Therese Norbe
  • Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Women and Girls

Rhodora, a 65-year-old widow, has dedicated nearly three decades to serving as a Community Health Worker in Barangay Rizal, Macalelon, Quezon. Since 1995, she has been a cornerstone of her community’s health system, providing invaluable services and support to her fellow residents. Currently, she holds the position of secretary of the BHWs in the municipality and is also a leader of the senior citizens in her community.

Her journey as a BHW has been marked by numerous achievements and recognitions. In 2023, she was a finalist for the “Outstanding BHW in Quezon-Marinduque,” representing the Bondoc Peninsula and securing a top 4 position. Despite the modest honorarium, which started at 250-300 pesos and has gradually increased to 500 pesos, her dedication to her role has never wavered. For her, the value of serving her community far exceeds any financial compensation.

She has undergone extensive training in primary health care, TBDOTS, and various other health-related fields. Her knowledge and commitment have greatly benefited her community. She has also worked as a daycare worker and a Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS), using her skills to improve the health and well-being of her barangay.

“Our work is not easy. We need proper support and resources to serve effectively.”

Beyond health services, she has guided new community health workers, helped create action plans, and facilitated monthly meetings. She has been instrumental in establishing the vision and mission for the barangay nutrition council, women’s groups, and senior citizen groups. Her leadership and organizational skills have left a lasting impact.

Rhodora’s path has not been without challenges. She often buys her own supplies, and her honorarium frequently goes toward these expenses. Despite being a senior citizen, she remains tireless in her work, defending her right to serve and valuing her extensive knowledge and experience.

Her dedication has come with personal sacrifices. She struggled to fund her children’s education but, through scholarships and family support, successfully saw them through college.

Rhodora believes that to improve services, BHWs need adequate supplies and support from the local government without deductions from their honorarium. She emphasizes that the municipality should have a counterpart for the honorarium, as the workload for BHWs remains substantial regardless of the barangay’s size. Her vision is for a healthier, more empowered community, where each individual contributes to the collective well-being.

Rhodora’s profile is a powerful narrative of dedication, resilience, and unwavering service. Her journey as a BHW, marked by significant contributions and overcoming challenges, highlights the critical role of community health workers in fostering public health and well-being. Her story continues to inspire and uplift her community, proving that age and adversity are no barriers to making a profound impact.

#SheHealsTheWorld Stories: Cecilia

  • CARE Philippines
  • Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Women and Girls

Cecilia, a 52-year-old married mother of four, has dedicated her life to serving her community in Barangay Tagbakan Ilaya, located in the Municipality of Catanauan.

“Since 2018, I’ve been looking after 141 households, making sure that health services reach everyone, even when resources are limited. It’s not always easy, but knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life keeps me going. I will continue to serve, not for the recognition, but because it’s what my community needs.”

She continues to serve as a volunteer, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to public health and her community’s well-being. remains steadfast in her resolve to serve her community to the best of her ability. Her volunteer work includes participation in CARE’s HEAL Hub project with the Southern Tagalog People’s Response Center – STPRC, Inc., where she continues to provide essential health services and education to the residents of her community.

Cecilia continues to serve as a community health volunteer, catering to patients’ needs at the health center.

Her work involves a range of activities, from conducting health education sessions to assisting in the delivery of primary health care services. Her dedication to the HEAL Hub project highlights her adaptability and willingness to embrace new initiatives aimed at improving community health. Through her volunteer work, Cecilia continues to impact positively on the lives of those in her barangay, ensuring that health services remain accessible despite the challenges she faces.

Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and selflessness. Her ability to continue serving without financial compensation showcases her deep-rooted commitment to her community’s health and well-being. Her efforts as a volunteer not only fill a critical gap in health services but also inspire others in the community.

#SheHealstheWorld Stories: Christine

  • CARE Philippines
  • Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Women and Girls, Women and Girls

Christine has been a dedicated Community Health Worker in her community for the past eight years, serving tirelessly since 2017. Her extensive training and accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH) underscore her proficiency and readiness to address various health needs within her assigned households.

Christine manages the health needs of 38 households, making her an integral part of the community’s health care system. Her role is multifaceted, encompassing regular weekly visits to her assigned households. During these visits, she conducts essential health activities such as weighing children to monitor their growth and development and assisting midwives with immunization and vaccination programs. Christine is also responsible for managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes within her community. She ensures that her patients receive the necessary medications monthly, and meticulously records their health status.

Despite her critical role, Christine faces significant challenges, particularly concerning resource limitations. She receives a modest annual stipend of 2,000 pesos from the provincial government and an additional 650 pesos per month from her barangay. This limited financial support underscores the financial constraints under which many CHWs operate.

“For the past eight years, I’ve been making sure families get the care they need, especially when there aren’t enough resources. Even when things are tough, I believe it’s important to teach people how to take care of their health. This way, we can stay strong as a community, even when times are hard.”

When supplies of medicines run out, Christine adapts by focusing on health education, providing valuable information and guidance to her community members. Her efforts in health education are vital, as they empower households with knowledge about maintaining good health practices and managing illnesses.

Christine’s commitment to her community is evident in her willingness to go above and beyond her official duties. Her ability to adapt to resource shortages and her proactive approach to health education highlight her resourcefulness and dedication. Her continuous engagement in training programs conducted by the DOH further enhances her capabilities, ensuring that she remains updated with the latest health care practices and protocols.

Christine Jimenez’s profile exemplifies the dedication and resilience of Community Health Workers in rural areas. Her work not only addresses immediate health needs but also contributes to the long-term well-being of her community. Through her unwavering commitment and continuous efforts, Christine plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthier and more informed community.

Philippines: 10 Million Affected by Never-Ending Storms

  • CARE Philippines
  • Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Press Release

[Manila, November 18, 2024] – Super Typhoon Man-Yi made landfall in the eastern Philippines, hitting Panganiban and Catanduanes, becoming the sixth typhoon to strike the country in a month. This series of relentless storms has impacted over 10 million people, displaced countless families, and caused an estimated 470 million Philippine Pesos in damage to homes, agriculture, and infrastructure—devastating lives and stalling recovery efforts across the region.

“The past month in the Philippines has felt like a relentless, terrifying ordeal – with each storm hitting harder than the last,” said Reiza S. Dejito, CARE Philippines Country Director. “As one typhoon passes, another wave of destruction hits – homes destroyed, fields washed away, lives changed forever. Now, typhoon Man-Yi threatens to push millions further into despair, with more than 10 million people across Luzon and Visayas trapped in a cycle of disaster and fragile recovery.

“This isn’t just a spell of bad weather. It’s a clear example of the unfair distribution of climate change’s effects. The Philippines contributes little to the climate crisis, yet suffers some of its most severe consequences. These storms, intensified by climate change, have left women and girls at greater risk of exploitation, displacement, and loss of livelihood.  For families already struggling, each storm pushes them further to the edge. Shelter, food, and gender-focused protection are urgently needed.”

CARE and partners are on the ground, conducting rapid assessments, delivering emergency aid – including food, water, cash and helping communities build long-term resilience. “In every crisis, communities are the real first responders,” Dejito added. “Through the Humanitarian Partnership Platform, we work with local experts to deliver life-saving aid where needed most. Together with our partners, we are urgently calling for support to enable swift and impactful responses led by those on the frontlines.”

Super Typhoon Man-Yi, sweeping through Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, adds to five earlier tropical storms that have repeatedly hit these areas, leaving recovery beyond reach for many.

###

For media enquiries, please contact:  

Sarita Suwannarat, Asia Regional Communications Advisor                           

Email: Sarita.Suwannarat@care.org   

Mary Therese L. Norbe CARE Philippines Communications Specialist

Email: marytherese.norbe@care.org   

Note to Editors: 

CARE Philippines has been providing humanitarian and development support since 1949, consistently working to uplift vulnerable communities. The Philippines continues to be among the most disaster-prone countries globally, and CARE remains at the forefront, delivering life-saving assistance to those most in need. According to the World Risk Index 2023, the Philippines remains the most at-risk country with the least capacity to respond to natural disasters. 

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