ShelterBox Completes Emergency Responses After Disasters in the Philippines

Published On: 15 January 2026Last Updated: 15 January 2026By CornishStuff

📷 A team from ShelterBox assessing the damage after Typhoon Bualoi

The Cornwall based charity ShelterBox has completed three overlapping emergency responses in the Philippines, supporting thousands of families after a series of powerful typhoons and earthquakes left tens of thousands of people without homes.

The responses followed Typhoon Bualoi, a major earthquake in Cebu, and Typhoon Kalmaegi, all striking within days of each other and affecting communities already under pressure.

📷Homes were left damaged after the earthquake in Cebu

Typhoon Bualoi Hits Masbate Island

ShelterBox and local partner FACE Inc supported thousands of people on Masbate Island after Typhoon Bualoi, locally known as Opong, destroyed homes across the island.

Tita, 66, was among those evacuated. She said: “The sea is very calm but around 3am onwards it’s getting stronger. I don’t know what to do. We thought, if there was water, maybe we would die. Good thing it’s low tide. It was really scary. When we get home the roofs are gone.”

Jonard, 37, said: “Everything was blown away by the wind. When we returned all of our belongings were wet and we had no roof.”

Jinky, 29, added: “It was depressing because when I saw our house it was ruined. You can’t sleep there anymore. At that time we were in the evacuation centre and when we returned home, we had nowhere to live.”

Families received cash assistance, solar lights and hurricane strapping to help strengthen homes and begin repairs.

📷ShelterBox aid distributions after the earthquake in Cebu

Earthquake Response in Cebu

Days after Typhoon Bualoi, the deadliest earthquake in over a decade struck Cebu. ShelterBox teams provided thousands of people with shelter repair kits and essential items.

Families forced to relocate from no build zones were supported with corrugated iron sheets, hurricane strapping and cash to help pay for skilled labour to build transitional shelters.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Strikes Again

As recovery work continued, Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, hit communities already affected by the earthquake. ShelterBox supported 5,000 people with tarpaulins and tool kits to carry out urgent repairs and keep homes watertight.

Distributions were led by the Rotary Club of Cebu, with support from Rotary District 3860, ShelterBox and local Rotaractors and Interactors.

📷ShelterBox aid distributions after the earthquake in Cebu

Being Ready for What Comes Next

Melinda Marie Buensuceso, Programme Manager at ShelterBox Operations Philippines, said: “Working this way means families have the flexibility to choose what works best for them, whether it’s buying corrugated iron or tarpaulins, or hiring help to rebuild.”

She added: “Hurricane strapping might look simple, but it’s incredibly effective and affordable. For just a few pounds, these straps can make a huge difference in keeping roofs secure during high winds. It’s a small item that saves homes – and lives.”

Melinda also said: “We were able to respond to three disasters simultaneously because of our supporters who, with every donation, make sure our warehouses are fully stocked and ready for the next emergency ahead of time. It’s a matter of when, not if, the next disaster will hit – so being ready is vital.”

📷ShelterBox supported people after the earthquake in Cebu

A Longstanding Presence

ShelterBox has responded in the Philippines more than 35 times and has a permanent team and warehouse in Cebu stocked with shelter repair kits, solar lights, mosquito nets, blankets and hurricane strapping.

Since being founded in 2000, the charity has supported more than 3 million people across around 100 countries. It is currently supporting displaced communities in places including Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Somalia.

With operational headquarters in Cornwall and 13 affiliate organisations worldwide, ShelterBox has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012.

More information about the charity and its work can be found on the ShelterBox website.