A month and a half after super typhoon Yolanda decimated Eastern Samar, its people are picking up the pieces. Coconuts Manila‘s contributing photographer AC Dimatatac says it was amazing to witness how determined these people are in continuing their lives despite all the hardships and lack of resources.
“As the year ends, let them serve as an inspiration for all of us to appreciate life,” she says. AC talked to five families who share their thoughts about the typhoon and humble wishes for this holiday season.
These are Jamestar Bagayoro and Hilario Partosa, they’re neighbors and grade three students at Sulangan Central Elementary School in Eastern Samar (behind them is the ruins of their school). They survived Yolanda by hiding inside the church of St. Anthony Padua and behind the stage of their school. Their holiday wish: To have spaghetti on the table for Noche Buena. Despite the odds, their families are lucky to be able to rebuild their homes in time for the holidays. Even Jamestar’s mom (see the lady in the photo above) was able to open a sari-sari store.
This is Emma Betco with her husband and two younger siblings and the ruins of their house. They’re all happy to be alive despite being homeless. Their wish is to have enough food for the holidays and beyond.
This is Valentin Oliverio, a fisherman from the town of Tubabao. He and his wife now live in a donated tent after Yolanda ripped apart their house. He says they barely survived the super typhoon but are thankful for daily blessings, like a warm bowl of chocolate porridge from volunteers of a feeding program who visited their place. His wish is to never experience another killer storm.
This is Mrs Emilia Sabarilio and her three siblings from the town of Tubaobao in Guian, Eastern Samar. Her family was offered a space on the C130 flight to Manila but they chose to stay behind because they believe they have a better chance to rebuild their lives in their hometown over starting anew in an unknown city. Their only wish for the holidays is good health. They have started to rebuild what’s left of their by using the fallen coconut trees.
This is Mrs Didit Logatok and her daughter Roxanne. They hope to rebuild their store and eatery in Sulangan, Eastern Samar, with help from the government. Their family survived Yolanda because they evacuated early and stayed insiden the church of St. Anthony Padua. Roxanne is an academic scholar and she was able to salvage some of her medals. Her mother’s wish: that Roxanne is able to finish her studies.
