Cebu, Philippines — The Claretian Missionaries Solidarity & Mission (SOMI) team, led by Fr. Arnold M. Abelardo, CMF, Director of Ako ang Saklay, Inc., has returned to Cebu to mount a major relief operation for families devastated by Typhoon Tino. This latest outreach, supported by BDO Foundation and CHARIS, aims to assist 5,000 affected families, expanding the mission’s continuing humanitarian presence in the region.
This effort follows last month’s Lakbay Kalinga mission, which extended psychological first aid and relief assistance to 4,000 households affected by the October earthquake in the barangays of Daanbantayan, Bogo, San Remigio, Medellin, and Tabogon. During this previous mission, Fr. Abelardo personally facilitated Psychological First Aid in Bogo for families who had lost their loved ones in the disaster. Archbishop Alberto Uy joined the activities with Caritas Cebu, offering spiritual comfort and solidarity to grieving families.
Relief Strategy and Reach
The SOMI-Saklay team will now distribute essential relief goods to communities heavily impacted by Typhoon Tino, specifically in the barangays of Talisay, Danao, Liloan, Compostela, and Mandaue.
This collaborative outreach brings together multiple partners, including Don Bosco Seminary, the Siervas de Nuestra Señora de la Paz, the Capuchin Sisters, the Department of Health (DOH), and several Claretian mission volunteers.
Fr. Abelardo emphasized that this mission is not only about providing material aid but also expressing human and spiritual solidarity — “bringing hope and practical support to communities shaken by nature’s fury.” He extended deep gratitude to CHARIS, BDO Foundation, and all mission partners for their unwavering compassion and support.
The Devastating Impact of Typhoon Tino
Typhoon Tino, locally known as Kalmaegi, made landfall in Cebu on November 4, 2025, bringing torrential rains, destructive winds, and widespread flooding. The typhoon left thousands of families displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods disrupted. Entire barangays suffered severe flooding, while infrastructure damage cut off access to clean water, electricity, and communication lines.
Agricultural areas also sustained major losses, leaving many farmers without income and further worsening food insecurity in affected communities. The combination of flooding, structural damage, and the ongoing recovery from the October earthquake has added layers of hardship for families already struggling to rebuild their lives.
Why the Relief Operation Matters
The scale of Typhoon Tino’s destruction — from flooded homes to the collapse of local livelihoods — makes immediate and sustained humanitarian response essential. Families continue to face hunger, displacement, trauma, and uncertainty.
The Claretian SOMI mission addresses both urgent material needs through food and relief distribution, and emotional and spiritual needs through presence, accompaniment, and psychosocial support.
By mobilizing mission partners and strengthening community networks, the Claretian team is not only delivering life-saving aid but also helping rebuild resilience and dignity among affected families. As the recovery journey begins, organizations like Ako ang Saklay serve as vital reminders that rebuilding communities means rebuilding the human spirit — with compassion, solidarity, and faith in action.
