Emergency Relief in Cebu: Standing with Our Salesian Family After Typhoon Kalmaegi
A devastating typhoon has left communities in crisis—but hope endures through the compassionate response of our Salesian family.
The Philippines has faced relentless natural disasters in 2025, and on November 3rd, Typhoon Kalmaegi became the 20th severe storm. The super typhoon has had a catastrophic impact on communities, leaving 288, many injured and 500,000 people forced to leave their homes.
This disaster struck at a particularly vulnerable time. Just weeks earlier, on September 30th, a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake had already weakened infrastructure and left communities struggling to recover.
Compassion in Crisis
Across Cebu, seven Don Bosco Salesian Centres and Parishes have suffered extensive damage. Roofing was ripped away by strong winds, trees were uprooted, and essential materials and equipment were destroyed.
The worst impact, however, was felt in Liloan, at Don Bosco Boys’ Home and St. John Bosco Parish, where floodwaters filled buildings with knee-deep mud and forced families to evacuate.
Fr. Eugenio shared:
“When the typhoon struck, Don Bosco Boys’ Home became knee deep in muddy water as well as St. John Bosco Parish. The entire ground floor was covered in mud too. People had to evacuate from their homes and go to the parish’s second floor for safety. So many families have asked for help.”
Despite their own losses, our Salesians are dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable and have begun supporting communities through providing:
- Emergency shelter for displaced families
- Food and clean water to those who lost everything
- Clean-up assistance to remove dangerous mud and debris
- Pastoral support to comfort the traumatized and grieving
Their presence has been a beacon of hope in the darkest hours, reminding struggling families that they are not alone.
Our Response: Raise $14,000
While the immediate crisis response continues, the long-term recovery needs are substantial. Salesian Missions Australia has launched an emergency relief campaign specifically for Don Bosco Boys’ Home in Liloan, Cebu, with a goal of raising $14,000 to address the most urgent needs.
Your support will directly fund:
- Temporary housing solutions for displaced residents
- Clearing operations to remove knee-deep mud and dangerous debris
- Building repairs and rehabilitation to restore damaged structures
- Flood wall restoration and gutter protection systems to prevent future disasters
A Call to Action
The young people and vulnerable families served by Don Bosco Cebu cannot rebuild alone. They need our solidarity, our compassion, and our tangible support during this critical time.
We urgently ask for your help to provide Don Bosco Cebu with the resources they desperately need to recover, rebuild, and continue their life-changing mission.
Every contribution, no matter the size, brings hope to families who have lost so much. Together, we can help the Salesian family rise from this devastation and continue serving those who need it most.
