When Typhoon Crising swept through Hermosa, Bataan, it left many families struggling to recover. With continuous rainfall and overflowing rivers and fishponds surrounding the area, several barangays remain flooded even days after the storm.
Among those affected is 73-year-old Cornelio Cruz.
Tatay Cornelio has spent most of his life serving others. For 20 years, he worked in public service in his local community. He never married or had a family of his own, choosing instead to focus on helping others. In the past two decades, he has lived under the care of a generous family who opened their home to him.
Now in his old age and battling arthritis, Tatay Cornelio has no livelihood to depend on. He relies on the kindness of the family that took him in, as well as occasional support from his siblings and relatives.
When the heavy rains began, he evacuated to the family’s other house, thinking it would be a safer place. But as the night progressed, the rains didn’t stop. The floodwaters quickly rose and submerged even the three-story home where he sought refuge.
Furniture, appliances, clothes—everything was soaked and destroyed. Even their animals didn’t survive the raging flood. Tatay Cornelio tried to save what he could, but the strong current made it impossible.
Days later, he’s still the only one left at the house, tirelessly cleaning up the mess the flood left behind.
“I’ve been cleaning for almost a week now. Even our clothes are still soaked because they haven’t dried,” he shared.
Despite the hardship, Tatay Cornelio remains thankful. “I’m grateful to the Lord for giving me strength, even at my age.”
Relief for residents like him came when Operation Blessing visited Hermosa, Bataan to distribute food packs to families affected by the typhoon.
Tatay Cornelio didn’t expect to receive anything—but by God’s grace, he happened to speak with a local pastor who was helping facilitate the distribution. That encounter led to him receiving much-needed aid.
“Thank You, Lord, for knowing exactly who to send and how help would come to us,” he said. “The food packs were a huge help. Thank you so much, Operation Blessing.”
You can be part of bringing hope to more people like Tatay Cornelio. Partner with us today and help us reach more disaster-stricken communities with life-saving aid through Operation Blessing.
