Kapuso actress Shuvee Etrata, a Cebu native, rallied help for her home province as it recovers from the recent typhoons.
On Monday, November 10, the former “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” Season 1 housemate shared a heartfelt message to her hometown, which was affected by Typhoon “Tino” (International name: Kalmaegi) and formerly Super Typhoon “Uwan,“ now a severe tropical storm (International name: Fung-wong).
The Cebu province was the hardest hit by Tino, which struck earlier this month, leaving at least 232 people dead. The tropical cyclone also left 112 individuals missing and injured over 520 others.
Severe flooding swept across the province, turning streets into rivers, with some residents blaming a mountainside development for worsening the situation.
ALSO READ: Bela Padilla draws praise for questioning urban planning in wake of Cebu floods
State weather bureau PAGASA reported that rainfall in Cebu exceeded a 20-year return period, meaning there is a 5% chance of such extreme rainfall occurring in any given year.
Most of the heavy rains fell after Tino made landfall in Silago, Southern Leyte, PAGASA added.
Many areas in Cebu, particularly coastal communities, were also affected by the subsequent cyclone, “Uwan,” which damaged homes and toppled trees.
In response, Shuvee took to social media to appeal for help for her fellow Cebuanos after experiencing two tropical cyclones.
“Cebu isn’t just another place, it’s home. Alam niyo ba guys, I’ve always adored the sunset in my home. Sobra kaganda and palagi ko pinagyayabang,” she wrote on Monday.
“I carry Cebu with me wherever I go, kaya masakit makita ang kapwa ko Cebuanos maging biktima ng pinsala ng Typhoon Tino at Typhoon Uwan. It breaks my heart to see the images, hear the cries, and recognize the faces from my own community,” Shuvee said.
“Sa lahat po ng nasalanta at naapektuhan ng bagyo sa Cebu at sa iba pang parte ng bansa, dalangin ko na huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtulungan po tayong bumangon,” the actress added.
“To my friends, followers, and everyone reading this — if you have even a little to give, please consider extending help. Some lost not just their homes and livelihood, but also their loved ones. A few pesos, a few cans, a few prayers — they matter. Together, let’s rebuild not just houses, but hope,” Shuvee said.
She also included the hashtag “#BangonCebu” in her post.
The actress likewise shared QR Codes through which Filipinos can send monetary donations to GMA’s Kapuso Foundation, the network’s socio-civic arm.
Shuvee was born and raised on Bantayan Island in Cebu Province.
She was dubbed “Ang Island Ate ng Cebu” when she joined the “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 1.”
Last month, the actress also made a public appeal for medical volunteers in Cebu following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province.
READ: Dozens killed as powerful quake strikes Cebu
