Fifteen days after Typhoon Fung-Wong (locally known as Uwan) struck Catanduanes, the SOMI Oplan Ginhawa Team reached Sitio Palestina, Brgy. Suchan in Bagamanoc. The scene was overwhelming: residents were painstakingly nagkakaykay—digging their homes out of the deep sand left by the storm surge.
Almost all the houses were buried; of the 12 homes in the community, only 2 remained standing. And out of 9 motorized bancas, only 1 survived.
Reaching the community was far from easy. The team braved rough seas, strong winds, and unpredictable waves—conditions that would normally force anyone to turn back. Yet the willingness to serve outweighed the danger, allowing the mission to push through despite the risks.
Upon arrival, the Claret SOMI team, together with the parish leadership of Fr. Oliver Estor, SOLT, and his staff, sat with the affected residents to listen to their stories—accounts of fear, devastation, and survival as the storm surge swept through their homes. These conversations revealed not only the scale of their loss but also the depth of their resilience through their bayanihan. Their sufferings and poverty speak of hope that in moving forward in the spirit of synodality, solidarity and mission, together we create a more humane and dignified society.
A total of 11 beneficiaries from Sitio Palestina and Dayhagan were among the 41 families of Barangay Suchan whose houses were totally damaged and who received cash assistance and food relief. This support was made possible through the collaborative efforts of SOMI, CSQC, Claret Media, partner institutions, and generous donors.
For those who wish to be part of this unfolding “pagkakaykay” story—helping families rise, rebuild, and find hope again—your support and financial assistance are most welcome.
BPI Account Name: Proclade-Pilipinas Foundation Inc.
Account Number: 1993-2032-26
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
