Bayanihan spirit shines as Ilocos Sur town rebuilds after tornado By Aila T. Villanueva September 29, 2025 PDF made by: Ellerenz C. Ellema Section: Grade 10-Fortitude Subject: Araling Panlipunan When a sudden tornado ripped through six barangays of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, during Super Typhoon Nando on September 22, it left behind twisted debris, torn roofs, and dozens of families unsure where to begin. But just days later, the “bayanihan” spirit, and the quick response of government agencies have brought signs of recovery, and hope. Picking up the pieces The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) reports that the storm completely destroyed 20 houses and partially damaged 60 others. The hardest-hit areas were Nagtupacan and Nagsayaoan, with eight houses destroyed in each barangay. For 69-year-old Geronima Torres of Nagsayaoan, the sight of her home after the storm was devastating. “I can still feel the pounding in my chest when I saw what was left of my house,” she said tearfully. “But I am thankful for the quick help we received — it gives me strength to start again.”
Torres is temporarily staying with her child while slowly repairing what remains of her home using the tools provided by the government. Immediate relief and support In the first 48 hours after the storm, the PSWDO and local government unit (LGU) distributed shelter repair kits from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). These included hammers, hand saws, nails, ropes, and other tools for residents to start rebuilding. Families also received food packs with rice, canned goods, coffee, and hygiene kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The LGU delivered medical kits and additional relief goods on September 23. Linemen from the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative have been working round-the-clock to restore electricity, while barangay personnel assist residents in repairing their homes. Community solidarity in action Support had come not just from the government but from civic groups and volunteers. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Ilocos Sur Chapter visited affected families and offered food, while private groups, including the Candon City Lion’s Club, pledged further help. “We are coordinating with other agencies, including the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, to provide additional assistance such as financial aid for victims,” said Eileen Ancheta, Santa Maria municipal social welfare development officer. Rebuilding stronger communities While relief continues, the provincial government is focusing on long-
term recovery. Discussions are underway to provide housing support and strengthen disaster preparedness in vulnerable barangays. Barangay chairperson Jayson Dominguez of Nagsayaoan said the experience has made the community more determined to prepare for future disasters. “We are helping each other rebuild — and we want to make sure our homes and power lines are stronger next time,” he said. Hope after the storm As Santa Maria’s townsfolk clear debris and rebuild, the solidarity of government agencies, private organizations, and neighbors reminds them they are not alone. For residents like Torres, the experience has been painful but also inspiring. “It is heartbreaking, but knowing we have this support gives us courage. We will rise again,” she said. With continued assistance and the spirit of “bayanihan,” Santa Maria is not just repairing homes — it is rebuilding hope. (AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur) When a sudden tornado ripped through six barangays of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, during Super Typhoon Nando on September 22, it left behind twisted debris, torn roofs, and dozens of families unsure where to begin. But just days later, the “bayanihan” spirit, and the quick response of government agencies have brought signs of recovery, and hope. Picking up the pieces The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) reports that the storm completely destroyed 20 houses and partially damaged 60 others.
The hardest-hit areas were Nagtupacan and Nagsayaoan, with eight houses destroyed in each barangay. For 69-year-old Geronima Torres of Nagsayaoan, the sight of her home after the storm was devastating. “I can still feel the pounding in my chest when I saw what was left of my house,” she said tearfully. “But I am thankful for the quick help we received — it gives me strength to start again.” Torres is temporarily staying with her child while slowly repairing what remains of her home using the tools provided by the government. Immediate relief and support In the first 48 hours after the storm, the PSWDO and local government unit (LGU) distributed shelter repair kits from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). These included hammers, hand saws, nails, ropes, and other tools for residents to start rebuilding. Families also received food packs with rice, canned goods, coffee, and hygiene kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The LGU delivered medical kits and additional relief goods on September 23. Linemen from the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative have been working round-the-clock to restore electricity, while barangay personnel assist residents in repairing their homes. Community solidarity in action Support had come not just from the government but from civic groups and volunteers.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Ilocos Sur Chapter visited affected families and offered food, while private groups, including the Candon City Lion’s Club, pledged further help. “We are coordinating with other agencies, including the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, to provide additional assistance such as financial aid for victims,” said Eileen Ancheta, Santa Maria municipal social welfare development officer. Rebuilding stronger communities While relief continues, the provincial government is focusing on long- term recovery. Discussions are underway to provide housing support and strengthen disaster preparedness in vulnerable barangays. Barangay chairperson Jayson Dominguez of Nagsayaoan said the experience has made the community more determined to prepare for future disasters. “We are helping each other rebuild — and we want to make sure our homes and power lines are stronger next time,” he said. Hope after the storm As Santa Maria’s townsfolk clear debris and rebuild, the solidarity of government agencies, private organizations, and neighbors reminds them they are not alone. For residents like Torres, the experience has been painful but also inspiring. “It is heartbreaking, but knowing we have this support gives us courage. We will rise again,” she said. With continued assistance and the spirit of “bayanihan,” Santa Maria is not just repairing homes — it is rebuilding hope. (AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)