Fo Guang Shan Launches Second Relief Operation in Cebu, Assisting 1,500 Affected Families

Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple

Typhoon Haigao severely impacted the Cebu region, leaving many communities without water and electricity. Numerous homes remain damaged and unrepaired. Under the care of Fo Guang Shan Head Abbot Most Venerable Hsin Bau and BLIA Acting President Venerable Tzu Jung., and with the guidance of Fo Guang Shan Philippines Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang, the second phase of disaster relief was launched to provide urgent support to affected residents.

Due to the severe shortage of clean water in Cebu, Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc., offered tremendous support by airlifting drinking water from Manila through Philippine Airlines. This became the key assistance that allowed the relief operation to proceed smoothly. BLIA Philippines and Fo Guang Shan Philippines worked together, with Cebu Subchapter President Lynn Lynn Chu and Thompson Chu coordinating with the affected communities. Supervisor Daisy Hong assisted with administration, while Erwin Go and Sheila Go sponsored all printing needs. Volunteers including Treya Yang, John Mark, Tsai Zhenzhen, Sun Busan, and Hung Congmei helped prepare the relief goods.

The relief efforts took place on November 20 and 21, reaching a total of 1,500 families across five coastal and riverside communities in Talisay City. Residents recounted how, during the typhoon, both seawater and mountain floods surged simultaneously, leaving many unable to escape. Houses and lives were swept away in an instant. Even weeks after the storm, scenes of devastation remain visible throughout the affected areas.

Representing Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple, Venerable Zhi Rong offered blessings to the residents, sharing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for Typhoon and Flood Victims. The prayer invokes the compassion of both the Buddha and Jesus, wishing protection and safety for survivors, and a peaceful rebirth in the Pure Land or Heaven for the deceased. The residents were deeply moved, expressing gratitude for the blessings of the Buddha and Jesus, and thanking Fo Guang Shan for standing by their side during this difficult time. Devotee Bin Choa provided Cebuano translation, helping residents fully understand the meaning of the prayer.

Among those present was a Filipino staff member who regularly accompanies his employer to help at the temple. He shared that the flood destroyed the second floor of his home, and he had spent days cleaning and rebuilding. Thankfully, his family remained safe. Seeing the monks and devotees from Chu Un Temple arrive, he said he felt deeply touched—a reminder of the blessings he had accumulated through his past acts of service at the temple.

With the support of many kind-hearted individuals and organizations, the second relief operation was successfully completed. Fo Guang Shan will continue to care for those affected in Cebu, walking with the communities on their road to recovery.