Tragedy in Sitio Hacienda Filomena
The September 30 earthquake that shook Cebu left lifelong scars beyond the initial tremors. In Sitio Hacienda Filomena, Barangay Binabag, Bogo City, families faced a devastating reality: a magnitude 6.9 quake triggered a landslide that crushed several homes and claimed the lives of eight children among the 11 victims.
A Day that Changed a Family Forever
Aryeel Caylan, a construction worker who had recently faced personal loss, was left with only photographs of his two-year-old son, Prince Kyle. The father described dreams of Prince’s early steps and future milestones that would now remain unrealized. “Mag-nursery na unta siya sunod tuig… Mag three years old na unta na siya sunod buwan,” Caylan shared, his voice breaking as he recalled the small, ordinary moments that now felt irreplaceable.
The Night of the Landslide
The landslide collapsed three houses in Kaharian Filomena, trapping residents as the earth trembled. The ensuing days saw mourners vigil beside the coffins, choosing to sleep in tents because life was uprooted in a matter of hours. The community faced a stark reminder: the danger of natural disasters is neither distant nor abstract for families who live with the constant risk of quakes and landslides.
A Mass Burial, a Community’s Farewell
On October 8, the New Corazon Cemetery in Barangay Sambag welcomed a solemn mass burial. One by one, the caskets were laid to rest in a quiet ceremony that underscored a collective need for closure. Family members wailed as soil settled over the tiny coffins, a heartbreakingly tangible sign of loss that the living must bear.
Parent and Child, A Shared Grief
During the final moments of the burial, Caylan stood with his hand on the casket, staring at a life that had been bright with potential. “Kami na lang duha sa akong bata ang nabilin. Dili ko magdahum nga ingun ana ang mahitabo,” he told reporters, the weight of those words lingering in the air. The tragedy has not only claimed a child but also tested a father’s sense of purpose and resilience.
The Quiet After the Storm
News of Prince Kyle’s absence rippled through the community and beyond, as families try to salvage pieces of their daily lives amid ongoing fear of aftershocks and uncertain recovery. For Caylan, the photos of Prince Kyle are now precious relics—reminders of a life that once filled his days with laughter and the simple desire to capture a moment together before leaving for Cebu City.
A Father’s Courage, A Community’s Resilience
In interviews, Caylan spoke about rebuilding the routine that supports a single parent with a young child. He continues to work to support his remaining son while honoring Prince’s memory, a testament to the difficult but necessary steps people take to move forward after unthinkable loss. The Cebu earthquake’s human cost is a reminder that disaster relief must accompany compassion for survivors who must rebuild their lives from the rubble of yesterday.
What Comes Next
As authorities assess structural damages and coordinate aid, families like Caylan’s press on with little more than memory and hope. Community-led memorials, psychological support for grieving families, and durable housing solutions will be essential as Cebu continues to heal from a disaster that reshaped its skyline and its sense of safety.
