Holding On: Antonio’s Fight for Survival and Hope

At the last quarter of 2024, a wave of storms ravaged the Philippines, particularly affecting the Bicol region. The disaster left communities devasted, with thousands of families displaced for weeks. One of the hardest hits was in the Province of Camarines Sur, where unprecedented flooding left residents struggling to survive. Antonio Fernando, a 60-year-old paralytic, found himself stranded as floodwaters rose above six feet, overtaking his home and nearly his life. Nearly four months after the disasters, Action Against Hunger, with support of  the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) continue to support survivors like Antonio through cash-for-food assistance. 

In a span of only a month, from October to November 2024, the Bicol region, particularly Camarines Sur, endured the devastating impact of six consecutive storms, the most destructive being Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Pepito. While the region is no stranger to typhoons and flooding, residents had not witnessed floods of this magnitude in over 30 years. 

In some municipalities, floodwaters rose to more than six feet—exceeding the height of an average person—submerging homes and forcing residents to seek safety under desperate conditions. 

One of the hardest-hit municipalities was Minalabac, where the devastation was not only due to the strength of the torrential rains but also its proximity to the Bicol River, which overflowed and unleashed powerful flood waves. In this area, floodwaters reached rooftops, leaving residents with no choice but to fight for survival. 

Among the survivors of this disaster is Antonio Fernando, a 60-year-old man from Barangay Bagombong who lives with paralysis due to polio. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, survival, and the impact of humanitarian assistance. 

A NIGHTMARE UNFOLDS 

On October 23, as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine battered the region, Antonio found himself trapped inside his home. When a flood alert was issued in anticipation of rising waters, his wife was evacuated to the barangay’s designated evacuation center in Bagongbong, Minalabac. Antonio, however, chose to stay behind, unable to imagine that the water would rise so high—something that had not happened in over 30 years. 

Soon, he found himself alone, struggling to escape, and fighting for his life as floodwaters rapidly engulfed his home. As the water surged, he realized the gravity of the situation. Summoning all his strength, he broke a window and managed to climb onto the roof—his only chance of survival. 

“Sinikap ko po talaga makaakyat sa bubong habang tumataas at malakas agos ng tubig.” – Antonio Fernando

“I tried my best to climb the rooftop while the water was rising rapidly.”

For days, he was stranded on his rooftop and waiting to be rescued. He fought for his life, enduring the fear of drowning, exhaustion, and isolation. Through it all, and according to him, his will to survive and his wish to see his wife again gave him the strength to hold on despite all the difficulties of survival and his condition. Rescue came after a few days when the water started to subside. 

OUR ACTIONS 

In photo : Delivery truck for the ECHO-funded ACCESS Severe Tropical Storm Kristine Rapid Response making its way through flooded waters in Camarines Sur just days after the flooding started. (Photo by Brian Enriquez for Action Against Hunger)

In photo: The Action Against Hunger team, together with members of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of the Municipality of Minalabac, transport emergency hygiene and water kits via boat to an evacuation center hosting 20 displaced families in Minalabac, Camarines Sur. (Photo by Brian Kae Enriquez for Action Against Hunger)

Following the storm, Action Against Hunger’s Mission Emergency Response Team (MERT) was on the ground, responding to the immediate needs of affected communities in Camarines Sur. In the initial phase of the emergency response, our team activated a rapid response mechanism through the ECHO-funded ACCESS consortium project and in less than 48 hours of the flooding, we were able to provide essential water and hygiene kits to displaced families in Camarines Sur. 

In photo: A farmer from Minalabac, Camarines Sur, receives cash assistance to help recover from the devastating floods brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Through the ACCESS project, families affected by the disaster can meet their urgent food needs and work toward rebuilding their livelihoods. (Photo by Blanche Cordero for Action Against Hunger)

Since then, Action Against Hunger has continued to support survivors like Antonio through the ACCESS project, providing cash-for-food assistance to help meet essential nutritional needs in this time of crisis. The cash assistance is expected to ensure a daily intake of 2,100 kcal per person for 30 days. Antonio’s family received around 9,000 pesos by December 2024, just in time for the holidays.

“We are so thankful for the help extended to us by the Action Against Hunger and ECHO for this financial assistance. We were able to celebrate Christmas season with a smile and hope that there are still people who care for us. Thank you so much!” – Antonio Fernando 

This support provided Antonio’s family with much-needed relief, helping them meet their basic needs and regain a sense of stability during the holiday season. 

REBUILDING LIVES, RESTORING DIGNITY 

In photo : Antonio shares his story to the Action Against Hunger Team during a visit to his community in February 2025. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

Despite the challenges he faced, Antonio remains grateful—not just for surviving the storm but for the compassion and support that helped him and his family move forward. 

“Buti po andyan ang Action Against Hunger na tumutulong  sa katulad naming [nangangailangan].”  – Antonio Fernando

“It’s good that Action Against Hunger is there to help people [in need] like us.”

Still marked by this traumatic experience, Antonio admits that he now has a lingering fear of floods. However, with resilience, he hopes to return to farming and continue leading a simple life, making the most of the resources available after the disaster. Above everything, Antonio shares his gratitude in the support they’ve been receiving, “simpleng buhay lang po kami, kung ano dumating, pasalamat nalang kami.” (“We live a simple life, and we’re grateful for whatever comes our way.”) 

Antonio’s story is just one among many in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. It highlights the urgent need for both rapid emergency response and sustained recovery efforts to help vulnerable communities rebuild their lives. The dedication of Action Against Hunger’s team on the ground continues to play a vital role in ensuring that no one is left behind in times of crisis. 

With funding from the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid, the ACCESS Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) Emergency Response is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, Humanity and Inclusion Philippines, Plan International Pilipinas, Save the Children Philippines, and Simon of Cyrene Community Rehabilitation and Development Foundation in the provinces of Albay, Batangas, and Camarines Sur. 

Written by: Alexane Simon, Communication Officer 
Contributor: Francy Templo