For eight decades, Isideria, who has lived in Catanduanes, has seen many typhoons come and go. However, it had been a long time since the island endured a storm this powerful. The experience of the storm was unlike anything she had faced in years.
When Super Typhoon Pepito hit, it was sheer devastation. Three massive waves came crashing one after the other, accompanied by violent winds. It felt as though nature itself was unleashing its fury, leaving everything in its path vulnerable. The winds howled, and the waves surged higher than usual.
“As the storm intensified, my neighbors and I were instructed to evacuate. We huddled together in fear, unsure of what the next hours would bring. We did not know how bad it would get,” shared Isideria.
For several days, the island was plunged into darkness. The electricity was out, and though Isideria had a flashlight, its battery soon drained. Even her phone, which she relied on to check in with her children, died. She was left feeling isolated, unable to contact her loved ones.
In the days that followed, some assistance arrived from various NGOs, but it was only when solar lights were delivered that hope truly started to shine through the darkness.
“It’s such a huge help—there’s really nothing like having light,” Isideria said, her face lighting up with gratitude.
Thanks to the generosity of kind-hearted donors, Isideria, along with her neighbors, received much-needed mats, blankets, and solar lights. These simple yet essential items brought both comfort and safety in the aftermath of the storm.
Isideria concluded, “Thank you so much for the kindness you’ve given. These mats, blankets, and solar lights are incredibly important. Praise God you arrived, and we are still alive.”