Members of the Philippine surfing team are slowly picking up the pieces more than a month after Typhoon Odette devastated their homes and training camp in the country’s surfing capital in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
“The team is coping up slowly. They (athletes) just resumed training last week. Training in the gym and surf training are ongoing, slowly picking up momentum, “said Gino Canlas, secretary general of the United Philippine Surfing Association.
On Dec. 12, “Odette” hit most parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, leaving a swath of destruction that rendered buildings severely damaged and thousands of families homeless and without electricity for weeks.
Among those, who lost their homes were members and aspirants of the Philippine surfing team. Their training facility in General Luna, where the famous Cloud Nine surfing area is located, was severely damaged.
Despite losing their homes, Canlas said the athletes are helping rebuild their community.
“Some athletes’ houses are not yet liveable as of now, but are already being constructed. Still no electricity and cell signal in most areas, but still, the community is busy with the rebuilding operation of houses,” added Canlas.
Among those who were affected but tagged safe in the aftermath of the typhoon were coaches Manuel Melindo and John Carby, and athletes John Mark Tokong, Edito Alcala Jr., Philmar Alipayo, Eduardo Alciso, Nilbie Blancada, Jolina Longos, Ana Mae Alipayo, Jevy Mae Agudo, Noah Arkfeld and Kaikai Alcala
They all received financial assistance from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.
The training facility for the team’s strength and conditioning, Crossfit Siargao, was not fully rehabilitated, but there were a few repairs that have already allowed athletes to do fitness activities.
The wooden deck in the world-famous Cloud Nine beach has not been fully restored, but the waves have come back to their original mix of calmness and ferocity to the delight of the surfers.
