A Christmas tree made from fallen and broken branches left by recent typhoons that hit Cebu now shines at University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu.

In a Facebook post by UP Cebu, the annual lighting ceremony was held at the Oblation Square under the theme “Pag‑alima sa Usag‑usa alang sa Kaayohan ug Kabag‑ohan sa Tanan.”

The tree, crafted from branches collected after the province was battered by typhoons in 2025, symbolizes how communities can rebuild and rise together from devastation.

The ceremony also featured the lighting of traditional parols from each college, accompanied by heartfelt panghinaot for peace, wellness, and unity in the coming year. Students and faculty spoke about the need to protect academic freedom and uphold truth amid turmoil.

FROM DESTRUCTION TO RENEWAL

Their hopes reflect the wider reality for Cebu.

On September 30, 2025, a strong magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook northern Cebu, killing dozens and damaging thousands of homes and infrastructure.

On October 16, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recorded 76 deaths and 559 injured.

Barely a month later, Typhoon #TinoPH ravaged province on November 4, bringing heavy rains, floods, and widespread destruction. Floodwaters swept through cities like Cebu City, Mandaue, and Talisay, displacing at least 1.5 million families.

The death toll from Tino reached 253, with 502 injured, and 119 missing, according to the final situational report from the NDRRMC on November 26.

In late November, Verbena passed through Visayas. In Cebu, it brought heavy rains and caused flooding, especially in southern parts of the province.

Thousands were evacuated, in Cebu City alone, more than 4,700 residents, or 1,248 families, were housed in 57 evacuation centers.

Though flooding occurred in municipalities such as Ronda, Dumanjug, Barili and cities like Carcar and Cebu City, as of November 25, officials reported zero casualties.