EVERY year, the Philippines faces strong typhoons that test the strength and spirit of its people.
When Super Typhoon Uwan hit Barangay Amaya in Tanza, Cavite, residents showed how being prepared can save lives. People quickly packed their essentials while the barangay readied boats, life jackets, and lifebuoys for rescue. In Amaya 5 and 7, where many families live near the sea, teamwork and quick action helped everyone stay safe during the storm.
The storm, known as Uwan with the international name Fung-Wong, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on the evening of 7 November 2025 and was quickly upgraded to a typhoon. Forecasters expected it to make landfall late on 9 November or early on 10 November, likely over northern Luzon. The weather bureau raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in some eastern provinces on 8 November, with higher signals including Signal No. 5 in areas facing the open sea.
During the height of the typhoon, almost hundreds of families in Barangay Amaya evacuated their homes because of the storm surge and threat of flash floods. They went to Amaya Elementary School and the Cooperative Center of Barangay Amaya 7 for safety, following advisories from barangay officials and the local government of Tanza. The quick action and cooperation of residents helped protect many lives despite strong winds and heavy rain.
“Noon, naghihintay pa kami ng malakas talaga na ulan bago lumikas, pero ngayon narinig namin sa balita kung paano sinalanta ang Cebu at iba pang lugar, lumikas na agad kami. Kahit marami pang natirang gamit sa bahay namin, okay na yun basta ligtas kami,” said Rhea Bocalan, a resident of Amaya 5.
“Mahirap mawalan ng bahay, pero mas mahirap mawala ang buhay ng pamilya ko. Kaya pinaghandaan talaga namin itong bagyong ito kasi nga Super Typhoon daw,” said Manuel Gumale, another resident.
“Nakakatakot yung hampas ng alon sa dagat, tabing-dagat yung bahay namin, pero hindi ko maiwan. Tinalian ko na lang tapos dito ako nagtigil. Pinaghirapan ko ‘to, mahirap iwanan kahit bagyo,” said Jun Cruz, a 52-year-old fisherman.
Even after the storm passed, the spirit of the people remained strong. Neighbors helped clean surroundings and share food, showing that unity and hope are stronger than any typhoon. In the following days, local government units and volunteers provided food, clean water, and clothing to evacuation centers, while young people joined cleanup drives.
Super Typhoon Uwan left behind damaged homes and flooded streets, but it also left lessons about preparedness and caring for one another. The story of Barangay Amaya is a reminder that true strength is not measured by what we lose, but by how we rise together after every fall.
