November 19, 2024 – Super Typhoon Pepito made landfall in the Philippines with catastrophic force, leaving communities in its path devastated. On November 16, it struck Panganiban, Catanduanes, under Signal No. 5—the highest warning level—causing massive destruction. The following day, it made its second landfall in Aurora province, bringing life-threatening conditions to parts of Southern Luzon.
The hardest hit areas include the Bicol Region, where families in Gigmoto, Catanduanes, were already struggling to recover from past typhoons. This storm inflicted even greater damage on homes, livelihoods, and vital infrastructure. The weight of these recurring disasters is taking its toll on vulnerable communities, but their determination to survive and rebuild remains steadfast.
Gigmoto, Catanduanes
The typhoon unleashed strong winds and heavy rains, leaving Gigmoto with severe damage.
- Evacuations: All 800 sponsored families (covering 876 sponsored children) were affected, with entire neighborhoods in Barangays Sicmil and District 2 forced to evacuate due to rising sea levels. Other families from Barangays San Vicente and Sioron also sought refuge.
- Damage: Most houses in Brgys. Biong, Dororian and Sicmil, including the houses of sponsored families and community service volunteers were damaged. The number of partially damaged houses of sponsored families reached 1,993 while 524 houses were totally damaged.
- Livelihoods: Fishing and abaca farming—two primary sources of income—were severely disrupted. The local government imposed a “No Sailing” policy, and farms were destroyed by the storm.
- Infrastructure: Landslides in neighboring municipalities have hampered transportation, and electricity and telecommunications remain down, cutting Gigmoto off from essential services.
For a community still recovering from the effects of Typhoon Trami, Pepito has deepened the wounds, making it harder to bounce back.
A Call to Stand With Communities
Typhoon Pepito is a harsh reminder of how vulnerable many communities are to the impacts of natural disasters. For places like Gigmoto, each storm erodes not only homes and livelihoods but also the hope of recovering fully. Yet, even in the face of such immense challenges, their resilience inspires action.
These communities—families, children, and individuals—are striving to rebuild and rise again. As Good Neighbors, it is our shared responsibility to stand by them in their time of greatest need.
How You Can Help
We are calling for in-kind donations to support the families affected by Typhoon Pepito, particularly those in Gigmoto, Catanduanes:
Food Items:
- Canned goods
- Instant noodles
- Powdered milk
- Bottled water
Hygiene and Non-Food Items:
- Reusable utensils (plates, cups, spoons, forks)
- Blankets
- Toiletries
Drop-off Point:
Good Neighbors Philippines
4th Floor, AIA Building, Aurora Blvd., Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Donation Period: Until December 05, 2024
Contact Person:
Ms. Beverly Simon | 0977-256-2799
Together, We Rebuild
Typhoon Pepito has challenged these communities, but it has not defeated their spirit. As Good Neighbors, we have the opportunity to share our compassion and extend a helping hand. Every contribution—no matter how small—helps restore not just homes, but hope and dignity.
Together, we can ensure that these families know they are not alone. Let us rise as one community and leave no one behind — kapit-bahay, kapit-buhay.