Cebu, Philippines
Nearly one year has passed since Typhoon Kalmaegi brought devastating floods to Cebu, leaving widespread destruction across communities already recovering from previous disasters. For the Salesian communities serving vulnerable young people and families, the impact was immediate and overwhelming.
Among the hardest hit were the Don Bosco Boys’ Home and St John Bosco Parish in Liloan. Floodwaters surged through buildings, leaving mud, debris and destruction in their wake. Homes were damaged, families were displaced, and the facilities that normally provide safety and support for young people suffered significant damage.
Yet despite the damage to their own facilities, the Salesians responded.
Parish facilities became places of refuge. Families were sheltered, food and relief supplies were distributed, and support was provided to communities struggling in the aftermath of the disaster. The school campus was also opened to assist wider community relief efforts, serving as a hub for the coordination of emergency assistance.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, important restoration works were completed at the Don Bosco Boys’ Home. Damaged buildings were cleared and cleaned, a protective wall along the river was restored, road drainage protection works were strengthened, and equipment was purchased to support ongoing maintenance and help reduce the impact of future flooding.
Today, the Don Bosco Boys’ Home continues to provide care and support for vulnerable young people, while the wider Salesian community in Liloan serves more than 1,000 students and their families through education, formation and community programs.
The response to Typhoon Kalmaegi showed the strength of the Salesian family. Together, local communities, Salesians and supporters helped families recover, rebuild and move forward with hope. Thank you for making this recovery possible.
