by Darlene Custodio

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Duyog is a familiar word in Cebuano. It means to accompany. To stay beside someone who is having a difficult time. In the Bible, the call to carry one another’s burdens feels close to this meaning. It is simple and direct. It is also demanding. It asks us to show up even when we, too, feel overwhelmed.

In Cebu, the first blow came on September 30, 2025, at 9:59 PM. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Bogo City. It was the strongest ever recorded in northern Cebu. Lives were lost. Hundreds were injured. Many families were displaced. Power was out in several areas. Homes and buildings were damaged. Communities needed help fast.

It was during these days that the Redemptorist Cebu Province through ReCSEC (Redemptorist Center for Social and Ecological Concern) launched Duyog Cebu. The first phase is on: accompany the earthquake survivors, bring food, water, clothes, medicines, hygiene kits, and blankets; visit the towns that need assistance; listen to the people; help them rise again. 

Volunteers came daily. They sorted clothes, packed food packs, sealed boxes, and loaded trucks. Donations poured in. 

From October 6 to 23, Duyog Cebu distributed rice, canned goods, tarpaulin, water, and water filters to 12 Parishes in northern Cebu. Later, phases would include trauma processing and rehabilitation for affected families.

But recovery had barely begun when the second disaster arrived. On November 4, 2025, Typhoon Tino battered many parts of Cebu province. Farms and homes were destroyed. Coastal areas and mountain barangays experienced landslides, flash floods, and massive damage to homes. As of November 13, NDRRMC reported 108 fatalities, 1,365 injured, and 44 people missing in Cebu. Some northern towns were still living in temporary shelters from the earthquake when the typhoon hit them again. 

Because of this, the work of Duyog Cebu widened. The mission grew heavier but the response from the community grew stronger. The Redemptorists continued to reach both earthquake survivors and typhoon victims. Relief operations assisted 3,166 beneficiaries in Mandaue and Talisay, providing blankets, clothes, utensils, food and water. A medical mission in Sta. Teresa de Avila Parish served 222 patients.

In all these moments, I saw how many forms duyog can take. I saw students arrive after class with small bags of food. I saw parents carry boxes they had saved up for. I saw an elderly man place two packs of noodles on the table with quiet apology, even if his gesture already spoke of generosity. I met people who chose to give financially because they could not volunteer in person. I read messages from donors who said they were praying for the families, even from far outside Cebu. I watched volunteers stay long after they were tired. Some carried heavy boxes and sacks of rice. Some handled paperwork. Some simply listened to people who needed to share their stories. All of them were doing their best in their own way. Even artists and musicians joined in. The RAMM Music Ministry organized the “Duyog Pasalamat ug Paglaum” online concert, gathering people in gratitude and hope.  That was duyog to me. 

With gratitude, I pray for everyone I saw choosing to accompany our communities in their time of need. Truly, God works through ordinary people who choose to love. And as we rebuild, may duyog remind us that to accompany one another is also to stand for justice, especially for the poor and the abandoned.