In Barangay San Rafael in Guinobatan, Albay, Philippines, Gemma Corod, a 45 years old mother of five, has weathered storms- both literally and metaphorically. Gemma’s family has survived the devastating super typhoon Rolly in 2020. An event that would have changed their lives forever.
Today we share Gemma’s story; a testimony of imponent challenges, toughness, and the hope for a new beginning with the housing project of the Laudato Si Eco Village. The Laudato Si Eco Village has been supported by the Mayon Project, which has been implemented together with our partners in the Philippines, ALTERPLAN and Sac Legazpi. Gemma and her family are part of those 50 families that will be transferred to the housing project, once it is ready.
Gemma’s story
Gemma Corod, aged 45 and a mother of five from Barangay San Rafael in the Municipality of Guinobatan, Albay, Philippines, is a survivor of the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly, which struck the province in 2020. During the height of the typhoon, Gemma’s family did not anticipate a strong current of lahar flooding, as it had never occurred during previous powerful typhoons like Tisoy in 2019 and Reming in 2006. However, the family found themselves trapped, and as they evacuated to higher ground. They struggled to stay afloat, resulting in her two daughters nearly being swept away and drowned by the floodwaters with lahar boulders from the Mayon Volcano.
The intense typhoon caused severe damage to their house, burying it halfway and covering their belongings with lahar mud. This forced them to stay in an evacuation center for weeks. Gemma continues to grapple with the traumatic experience they endured during the devastation of Super Typhoon Rolly. She becomes emotional each time she recalls the memory.
Gemma’s family is now among the beneficiaries of Laudato Si Eco Village, a housing project located in Upper Binogsacan, Guinobatan Albay.
The family expresses gratitude for being recipients, as this relocation allows them to move to a safer area where they can feel more secure and less exposed to various risks associated with disasters. Gemma hopes for a smooth transition. She expects to enjoy decent living conditions in their new home on the relocation site, with access to livelihood opportunities, particularly in agricultural activities. She plans to utilize her existing skills and productivity in farming.”
Status on the housing project
Indeed, before Gemma and the other families are able to move, the last details need to be finalized.
Our local partner SAC Legazpi is working hard to make the housing project ready. Some elements are still lacking as for example the connection to the electricity grid, the installation of a solar-powered electricity generator and the installation of a solar-powered water pump and rainwater collection, as well as a drainage system. The plan was actually to finalize these elements by the end of the year, but that has not been possible.
