A case of resilience

Since tragedy struck in the spring of 2022, Velma Villaruel has had to remain strong for her remaining family members.

When tropical storm Agaton (also known as Megi) swept through the Leyte region of the Philippines, Velma and her family lost their home, their livelihood, and tragically, some of their loved ones.

"We heard a shout from our neighbours asking us to run. Without knowing what was happening, we just ran together with my daughter and grandchildren. Running was the last thing I remember," she says about that fateful day when a landslide destroyed their community.

"It's been very painful for me as a parent since I lost a son and a grandson. My 3-year-old grandson was drowned and washed out by the waves, and his body was found the day after.

"We woke up with wounds on our bodies and my children's and grandchildren's clothes were torn.  We got our wounds from trees, hollow blocks, and roofs."

Mario, Velma's son, broke his leg, which had to be amputated because of an infection. He now uses crutches to walk, and he is no longer able to find work.

Before the disaster, farming and fishing comprised the family's main sources of livelihood. They owned a pump boat and other fishing equipment, but lost everything suddenly in the storm.

The family is now living in one of many evacuation centres set up for people left homeless by Agaton.

Along with her daughter, Daisy Mae, Velma cooks and sells snacks like banana cue (fried banana on a skewer) to earn some money, while her husband works daily at a construction site to help provide for his family's needs.  

Islamic Relief, with support from the Humanitarian Coalition and the government of Canada, provided emergency assistance to help families meet their basic needs as they work to rebuild their lives.

Velma's family received hygiene and sleeping kits, a bucket, a water jug, and a water pump.

She says it is a blessing, and they are grateful for this support that relieves some of the financial stress and eases their burden.