2025 November 6, Cebu – Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) transited through central Philippines last November 3 and 4 causing deaths and damage in its wake. With maximum sustained winds of 148 km/h, its path carved out destruction and poured unprecedented levels of rain which overwhelmed rivers and estuaries. Salesian settings and communities along river banks were greatly affected.
Don Bosco Youth Center Pasil and Sto. Nino Parish which sits along the coast and beside the Guadalupe river were flooded early November 4 morning with knee deep water. The rains coupled with high tide disallowed waters to drain properly. The parish was flooded but fortunately no lives were lost in the two villages that the Salesians serve in the area.
Don Bosco Formation Center in Lawaan, Talisay City, had their power cut off after the strong winds and rains damaged transmission lines in the area. The houses have no power as of press time.
Two schools, Don Bosco Technical College in Cebu City and Don Bosco Technical Institute in Victorias City, Negros Occidental both saw minor damage to buildings after decades-old trees were uprooted by the storm.
The center for children in need of special protection, Don Bosco Boys Home, and the St. John Bosco Parish in Liloan, Cebu saw the most damage and deaths. This happened when the torrential rains overwhelmed the flood control infrastructures of Cotcot river and overflowed onto the plains.
Providentially, the flash flood happened at around 6:00 AM in the morning of November 4 when most of the people were already awake and ran immediately for safety. The floods reached 6 feet high in some areas destroying homes and forcing families onto their roofs. Unfortunately those living along the riverbanks were caught off guard with some reports of whole families swept away by the flood including those from the hinterlands. Official tallies put the death toll at 35 for Liloan and 25 for Compostela, towns flanking the river.
The unfinished church of St. John Bosco parish was covered with mud, the flood waters sweeping away the new pews that were just provided. Families around the parish took refuge in the still bare parish rectory. Fr. Donato “Dong” Ofina, SDB, sheltered them for the night where they stayed until as of writing.
The boys home and training centers which stand closer to the river saw higher water which destroyed everything on the ground floor including machines, appliances, and food supplies for the boys. Knee-deep mud covered the football field, gym and open spaces of the school. There is still no power and mobile connectivity for the area.
The flood waters were powerful enough to move wing trailers and displace vehicles and deposit them in the middle of fields. The Salesian community lost all their vehicles to water damage.
Despite these challenges, the Salesians continue to offer hope, offering protection and resources for families in need. Some boys who have no families remain under their care. The task of cleaning and rebuilding begins.
