This was what the people of Mahatao wondered when typhoon Julian hit the land of Batanes.
Lightless houses, flooded roads, and casualties.
A nightmare that suddenly turned into a reality – this is how Nanay Catalina Balasbas lived after the catastrophic typhoon came.
Her house was one of the many that was plunged into the shadows.
“We had no light, it was dark,” Nanay Catalina recalled.
The thrifted clothes that she used to sell as a means of livelihood were submerged in flood waters. All her plants drowned and were destroyed.
Frightened by the typhoon, Nanay Catalina packed her clothes and other belongings into rice sacks, and stored them inside her house to protect them from being lost in another calamity.
“I get nervous every time the typhoon comes,” Nanay Catalina shared.
While this gave her temporary relief, it left no room for her to live inside her home. She had to sleep outside on her rocking chair instead.
To move around in the dark, especially at night, has been a great trial for the citizens of Batanes and this is why Governor Marilou Cayco appealed for help.
“We hope someone would give us solar lights, so that we can have lights even at night,” she said.
Times like this are inevitable, but the power of prayer and bayanihan can overcome life’s challenges.
Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Office of Civil Defense, to deliver life-saving relief to 1,600 families in Batanes. The beneficiaries, including Nanay Catalina, received solar lights, jerry cans, food bags, and medicines.
Operation Blessing also brought the water filtration system through the navy vessel to make sure that our kababayans in Mahatao have clean water to drink.
This sparked hope in the life of Nanay Catalina as she is now able to see better even at night. She was also given a mat and a blanket so that she would still be comfortable when sleeping.
God’s light will always shine through life’s storms—and it is by His grace that we can experience it and share it with others!
Helping others would not be possible if it weren’t for our partners’ prayers and support.
You too, can be a part of this mission, partner with us today and together, let us bring people out of the dark and into the grace of God!
