As the year 2025 closed, survivors in the town of Balamban, Cebu, continued to rebuild their lives with hope, determined to leave the tragedies of the past behind as they welcome 2026. Their resilience follows the severe devastation wrought by Typhoon Tino (Ulysses), which struck Cebu on November 4, 2025, triggering massive flash floods that damaged homes and livelihoods across the province.
Stories of Survival and Sudden Loss
In a phone interview on December 31, 2025, Rendon Arcilla, 33, recalled the intense fear he felt when the powerful storm hit. Working in Cebu City at the time, he was separated from his family in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Balamban. Their home was severely damaged by the floods, which destroyed their belongings.
"When I returned after a few days, basic necessities like water and electricity were completely cut off and lasted for weeks," Arcilla stated. He was initially unable to reach his family in the town because a section of the Trans-Central Highway was rendered impassable due to landslides.
Another survivor, 26-year-old Florence Yu, experienced agonizing uncertainty. Working in Cebu City during the typhoon, she lost all communication with her family in Barangay Baliwagan, Balamban. "I couldn't do anything but wait and pray," Yu shared. She monitored online posts, hoping for news, and only learned her family was safe three days later through a friend.
The Long Road to Recovery
The aftermath presented severe challenges. The floods caused extensive damage to the Yu family's property, leaving much of it unusable and disrupting their livelihood for weeks. "It took them a long time to return to work because of the remaining mud and flood debris," Yu explained.
Despite the hardship, both families highlighted the crucial role of faith, hope, and community support in their recovery. Arcilla's family relied on their positive mindset to persevere. They also received vital assistance, including medical aid, food, and water supplies from various relief groups.
Facing 2026 with Resilience and a Call to Action
Looking ahead to the new year, the survivors shared their hopes and reflections. Arcilla wishes for good health and happiness for his family and fellow survivors. "I hope that 2026 will bring new opportunities, positive change, and happy surprises," he added.
Florence Yu, however, issued a broader call for collective responsibility. She emphasized the need for unity and caring for one another and the environment. Reflecting on her traumatic year, she said, "After all I've been through this year, I just hope this will be a gentler year for me and my family."
Her message to other typhoon victims was one of validation and strength: "It's okay not to be okay. Your feelings are valid. I, too, got angry, sad, frustrated, and cried a lot. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
SunStar Cebu reached out to Balamban Mayor Amos Cabahug for comment regarding aid plans for the typhoon victims in 2026, but the official has yet to respond. The community's journey of recovery, fueled by personal fortitude and external support, continues as they step into an uncertain but hopeful new year.
