On October 23, Typhoon Kristine tore through the Bicol region, leaving a trail of destruction that upended the lives of thousands, including Eduardo, Lorie, and Julie—three residents of Sorsogon. Their homes were damaged, livelihoods lost, and everyday routines shattered by the storm’s fury. Yet, in the face of unimaginable hardship, their resilience has shone through. With the support of organizations like ChildFund Philippines and Canva Foundation, these families are slowly rebuilding, clinging to hope and a renewed sense of determination as they work to restore their homes, businesses, and futures.
Daily Struggles, Unwavering Strength
A typical day for Eduardo, 45, begins before the sun rises. With steady hands, he prepares his boat, his net, and all the tools he’ll need for the long, challenging hours ahead on the open sea. Like many in his small coastal town in Sorsogon, Eduardo’s boat is his second home—a place where he spends countless hours, ensuring it’s in perfect condition to face the unpredictable and often harsh waters. When he’s not at sea, Eduardo returns to his modest yet cozy house, where he shares moments of peace with his wife and seven children. He describes his life as simple, filled with hard, honest work, but rewarding nonetheless.
Just a few towns away, 26-year-old Lorie is up early, getting her children ready for school. She quietly prepares breakfast for her three older kids while trying not to disturb her youngest, a two-year-old who is still fast asleep. Once her older children head off to school, Lorie spends time with her toddler, feeding and playing with him before tending to the household chores. Her goal is to keep their home neat and welcoming for her husband, a hardworking farmer who spends his days in the fields. Lorie knows the value of hard work and, alongside her husband, dreams of providing their children with the chance at a better life through education.
In another nearby town, 29-year-old Julie’s day is equally busy, though her work looks a bit different. While her husband is out at sea, Julie runs their small sari-sari store – a small neighborhood store, a lively hub where neighbors come and go, buying what they need. Between serving customers, Julie enjoys the occasional break when her toddler, Jacob—who is just under two—calls for her attention. Despite the bustle, Julie cherishes the moments spent with her three children, who mean the world to her.
A Region Torn Apart, But Not Defeated
Everything changed for Eduardo, Lorie, Julie, and many others in the Bicol region when Typhoon Kristine struck. With maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 105 kph, the storm left a path of devastation in its wake. In Sorsogon, over 1,100 families were forced to take shelter in evacuation centers as floodwaters surged, and the winds howled.
A resident of Donsol, Sorsogon, works hard to unclog the drainage canal of the thick mud brought by the heavy flooding during Typhoon Kristine. In the background, wooden posts of a house being built from scratch tower over him after the original house that stood in its place was washed away by the torrent of floodwaters.
Eduardo’s boat, his lifeline, was destroyed by the storm’s ferocious winds and surging tides, leaving him unable to earn a living. Lorie’s family had no choice but to flee their home, abandoning their children’s school supplies and most of their belongings as floodwaters overtook the area. Julie’s beloved sari-sari store was battered beyond recognition, its inventory damaged and scattered. Though the storm took much from them, it did not steal their spirit.
In the days that followed, a wave of solidarity swept through Sorsogon and the surrounding areas as communities came together to support one another. Aides from the local government and nonprofit organizations poured in to help the most affected communities.
ChildFund Philippines’ and Canva Foundation’s Support After Typhoon Kristine
In the midst of all these, ChildFund Philippines and Canva Foundation stepped up and offered hope and relief to families who were still reeling from Typhoon Kristine’s devastation. Through their collaboration, 60 families in 16 barangays received multi-purpose cash assistance of 2,500 pesos each—helping them rebuild what was lost.
Eduardo smiles happily as he receives his multi-purpose cash assistance from Canva Foundation and ChildFund Philippines.
Now, as Eduardo begins to rebuild his home, he is also focused on restoring his boat. Currently, he borrows a small boat from a neighbor to make ends meet, but he eagerly looks forward to purchasing the materials needed to restore his vessel, so he can once again set sail on the open waters.
Lorie is excited to go home to tell her husband that they can already buy school supplies for their three children.
Lorie, meanwhile, is focused on getting her children the school supplies they need. After days of relying on what neighbors could share, she is relieved that her kids will finally have their own notebooks, paper, and pencils. While the list may seem simple, to Lorie, it marks the beginning of her children’s journey back to school—a vital step toward a better future.
Julie with her son Jacob all smiles knowing that they can finally fill up the small neighborhood store that they own.
Julie is also hard at work, taking inventory of what remains in her sari-sari store. As Jacob plays nearby, Julie writes down the items she needs to purchase for her next trip to town, ensuring she doesn’t forget anything. Every cent counts as she strives to get her small business back on track.
For Eduardo, Lorie, Julie, and countless others in their community, the road ahead remains uncertain, but their resilience and unyielding love for their families continue to drive them forward. Though Typhoon Kristine took much from them, it could not take away their strength, their determination, or their dreams for a better life. Through the support of Canva Foundation and ChildFund Philippines, they are finding hope again, and with each day that passes, they are one step closer to rebuilding their lives and creating better days ahead.
