LILOAN, Cebu — Just in time for Christmas, families in this coastal town are getting more than gifts — they’re getting a fresh start.

The Aboitiz Foundation, through its OneAboitiz initiative, has rolled out home recovery assistance for 285 families in Liloan whose houses were totally destroyed by typhoon “Tino.” Each family received P30,000 to help jump-start rebuilding, bringing total support for the municipality to P8.5 million.

For many residents, the help comes after weeks of uncertainty.

“The flash floods brought by typhoon “Tino” caused fear, loss, and uncertainty for many families. Dili lalim ang inyong naagian,” said Anton Perdices, chief operating officer of AboitizPower Distribution Utilities. “Through this support, we want every family to know that you are not alone.”

The Home Recovery Assistance Program is designed to help families rebuild safer homes. Support comes in the form of cement and construction material vouchers, along with cash assistance to cover labor — practical help meant to get houses standing again as soon as possible.

The Liloan turnover follows a similar effort last November, when 225 families in San Remigio, Cebu received home recovery aid after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake rocked the province in September.