In the wake of three relentless typhoons—Crising, Urduja, and Emong—that battered the Philippines, the community of San Miguel in Hagonoy, Bulacan, found itself submerged in hardship. Streets remained flooded, and the air was thick with the scent of dampness and decay. For many families, the storms left behind not only damaged homes but also a sense of uncertainty about the future.
A Community in Crisis
On August 9, when volunteers visited the area, the need for support was palpable. Furniture and belongings, ruined by floodwaters, were piled outside homes. For days, residents endured power and water outages, making daily life a struggle. In these moments, the arrival of relief brought more than just supplies—it brought hope.
LEFT: Relief supplies filled two military trucks and a Tzu Chi truck, with thirty-one navy personnel assisting. The distribution benefited 1,226 families. RIGHT: Days of typhoon rains left San Miguel, Hagonoy, Bulacan, flooded and strewn with waterlogged belongings. The air was heavy with the scent of dampness and decay, and volunteers recognized the urgency of providing aid. | Photos: Juanets Kwok
Delivering Relief, Restoring Dignity
As the sun rose, volunteers gathered at the distribution site, working swiftly and in harmony to prepare for the day. Their focus was not only on the logistics of distributing aid but also on offering comfort to those who had lost so much. Each recipient was greeted with a smile and a gesture of respect, a small but meaningful act in a time of distress.
Among those who came for help was an elderly woman, supported by her granddaughter. Tears welled in her eyes as she received her relief package. She shared, “There’s been no electricity, no water, and our house was flooded. We couldn’t use anything. Getting these supplies today is truly a great relief.” Her words reflected the hardship faced by many, but also the gratitude for the support received.
LEFT: Volunteers, staff, and vocational trainees worked together to quickly set up the site and organize supplies, bringing comfort to those in need. RIGHT: Survivors lined up patiently, waiting for their turn to receive essential items. | Photos: Juanets Kwok
The relief effort was a coordinated endeavor, with supplies delivered by military and Tzu Chi vehicles and the help of thirty-one navy personnel. In total, 1,226 families received much-needed assistance. One elderly man, his voice trembling with emotion, said:
“These supplies not only fill our stomachs but also warm our hearts.”
Stories of Loss and Resilience
Throughout the day, stories of loss and resilience emerged. Some residents described fleeing their homes as floodwaters rose, unable to save their belongings. Others spoke of the challenge of cleaning mud from their houses, determined to create a safe space for their children to sleep. One woman, waiting in line, shared through tears, “When the typhoon hit, the water rushed in so fast. We couldn’t save anything. Now, we have nothing left—not even a bed.”
These stories moved volunteers deeply. Witnessing such strength in the face of adversity, they were reminded of the importance of gratitude and the power of compassion. The experience became a lesson in humility and empathy, as volunteers learned from the resilience of those they served.
LEFT: Volunteers do not wait for calm to act—they step forward in the storm, standing by those in need. RIGHT: Volunteer Qiang-Qiang Gong (龔強強, front left) reflects on learning from survivors’ resilience, fellow volunteers’ selflessness, and the teachings of Master Cheng Yen. | Photos: Juanets Kwok
Walking Together Toward Recovery
The road to rebuilding is long, but the spirit of the community remains unbroken. As one volunteer reflected, “Love gives us hope. If we are willing to join hands, we can walk out of the storm and into the sunshine together.” The day’s efforts were not just about distributing goods—they were about restoring dignity, nurturing hope, and building a sense of peace within the hearts of those affected.
On this day, the hands that offered help also received lessons in courage and kindness. The hope is that, as the community rebuilds, the compassion shared will continue to inspire and uplift, paving the way for brighter days ahead.
On August 9, Deputy Executive Director Kam Kwong Hung (洪金礦, rightmost) led thirty-one volunteers into the disaster area to provide relief. | Photo: Juanets Kwok
Written by Qiang-Qiang Gong (龔強強)
Source: 風災後走入苦難 看見希望以愛相伴
