Edited from submissions by SMEIDFI (St Mary Euphrasia Integrated Development Foundation), Philippines

Good Shepherd sisters and partners-in-mission are urgently responding to the widespread devastation caused by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) and Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong), which have recently ravaged several regions of the Philippines. The back-to-back storms have affected millions, causing catastrophic flooding, landslides, and significant loss of life and property, deeply impacting the vulnerable communities served by the Good Shepherd.

Typhoon Tino made landfall on November 2, affecting an estimated 2.4 million people and causing extensive damage, particularly in Cebu. Days later, Super Typhoon Uwan brought destructive winds and torrential rain to Luzon, displacing over a million people. The combined impact has overwhelmed local infrastructure, destroyed thousands of homes, and disrupted the livelihoods of countless families. The government has since declared a State of National Calamity to address the crisis.

The communities supported by the Good Shepherd Sisters have been severely affected. In Cebu (main picture), at least 70 women and their families participating in Villa Maria Good Shepherd Sisters Inc.’s (VMGSSI) anti-trafficking program have been directly impacted by Typhoon Tino. Tragically, five fatalities have been confirmed among these families, including a four-month-old baby who was swept away by the floodwaters, and over 20 households have suffered severe damage.

The tragedy extends further to another family, where four members are now deceased. The mother, who had been actively involved in a women’s group organized by VMGSSI, is yet to be buried as her family is currently awaiting available space in the public cemetery. The bodies of her husband and their two children, aged 8 and 5, remain missing after being swept away by the flood. Community members and authorities continue to search for the missing family members.

Similarly, Typhoon Uwan has left a trail of destruction across Bicol, severely impacting homes, livelihoods, and access to essential services. Good Shepherd Home Legazpi-Virac (GSHL-V), which leads community development initiatives in Catanduanes, reported extensive damage to homes in the communities it serves. The exact number of affected households is still being verified.

In Panay Island, a remote community in Catanduanes, electricity remains unavailable as of November 12. Families involved in GSHL-V’s livelihood programs have suffered major losses, not only to their homes but also to their primary sources of income. Fishing boats were destroyed, and farms were heavily damaged. To maintain minimal communication, residents have set up two solar/fuel-powered charging stations.

Meanwhile, Hablon Dawani in Naga City, Bicol, confirmed that around 20 families from its Educational Support Program were also affected by the typhoon.

In response to the urgent needs, our sisters and partners-in-mission have mobilized immediate relief operations. VMGSSI is providing essential aid to affected families in its programs, while other local partners are working tirelessly to support communities as they begin the difficult journey to recovery. The immediate needs are immense, as many families have lost all their belongings, including essential school supplies for their children, and are now facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.

In this aftermath, Ms Diane Balatero, Mission Development Coordinator of SMEIDFI spoke of how: “So much has happened, and so much has been lost — even lives… but not hope. Children still long to return to school, families still hope to rebuild their homes, to go back to work, to continue with life. We are joining them in this spirit with the belief that truly ‘hope does not disappoint’.”

As the long road to recovery begins, we remain steadfast in our mission to stand with the most vulnerable, offering not just material aid but also a presence of hope and compassion in these devastating times.