The serene beauty of Punta Buri, a small island in Ajuy, Iloilo. Though faced with the relentless forces of nature, this island stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring power of the natural world.

Slashed by storm surges, whipped by furious winds, and tested by the relentless pounding of angry waves, the small but resilient island of Punta Buri has weathered it all. Like a steadfast sentinel of the sea, it remains standing—scarred but unbowed, ever ready to face the rampages of nature.

The most harrowing test of its strength came in November 2013, when Typhoon Yolanda, one of the fiercest storms ever recorded, unleashed its wrath upon the northern part of Panay Island. For Punta Buri, the devastation wasn’t just physical—it tore at the very fabric of its people’s lives. Homes disappeared overnight, livelihoods were washed away, and hope seemed to hang by a thread. Those were dark days, indeed, for Punta Burinians.

But even as Yolanda roared off to wreak havoc elsewhere, it couldn’t extinguish the flicker of hope in the hearts of Punta Buri’s people. Help arrived in waves—not the destructive kind, but waves of compassion and solidarity. Organizations like the Philippine Red Cross stepped in to rebuild homes. ADRA lit up lives by installing solar panels, and many other groups extended a lifeline to pull Punta Buri back from despair.

Among these allies was the Solution Ecosystems Activator Incorporated (SEA, Inc.), which took Punta Buri under its wing. This partnership became a beacon of empowerment, with SEA, Inc. working tirelessly alongside the community, helping them chart a course toward a brighter future.

Though Yolanda is now a painful memory, the lessons it left behind linger deeply in the hearts of Punta Burinians. The fear of another catastrophic storm looms, but this fear has been channeled into action. Determined to never be caught unprepared again, the people rallied together with unwavering resolve.

By September, Punta Buri had a solid Barangay Action Plan ready for its Annual Investment Plan (AIP). With new mission and vision statements reflecting their hopes and dreams, they laid out programs and projects anchored in the seven dimensions of development. Each goal, carefully crafted, was a testament to their resilience and their commitment to a future where Punta Buri thrives—no matter what the waves may bring.

In Punta Buri, the scars of Yolanda are not just reminders of pain; they are badges of courage. The island stands today not just as a place, but as a powerful symbol of human grit and community spirit. Punta Buri may be small, but its heart beats with the strength of giant.