Life became harsh for 58-year-old Gerry Anagao when a category 5 typhoon ravaged his home in San Ricardo, Leyte in December 2021. Eight months in, his house remain uninhabitable for the lack of roofing sheets and crushed hedges.
The memory of the storm is still fresh for Gerry. “Every time I pass by our home, my heart is filled with disappointment,” he shared as he walks the OB Team from his house to their nearby church. Because of their poor situation, Gerry’s wife was forced to go to Manila with their grandchildren while he and his youngest stayed in his mother’s house.
The pain of having to go through such predicament also gives Gerry’s neighbor, Grace Sanipa, a hard time to rebuild. “Losing a roof over our head is something we wouldn’t want to experience ever again.”
According to Grace, her husband Orlando was half paralyzed when the storm slammed their house, making it so difficult for her to salvage their belongings. “Of course, my priority that time was to bring my husband to a safer place. So, when I went back to save other important things, it was too late,” she said in a weak voice.
Having seen the plight of the people in the area during its Disaster Response for Typhoon Odette in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte, Operation Blessing did not end the help with immediate relief distribution. The team returned to the most devastated communities and delivered their much-needed GI sheets donated by Operation Blessing Japan and Katayama.
Aside from the roofing materials, our team also gave sacks of cement, plywood, and tools to families in most need.
“Thank you, Operation Blessing donors! You blessed us with so much this time. We will never forget your generosity,” Grace said.
Be God’s comfort for our kababayans affected by natural disasters. Partner with us! Visit www.operationblessing.ph or call 09399215543 for more details.
DSWD-SB-SP-000061-2021-Nationwide. Valid until Nov. 23, 2022.