Catanduanes Hardware Earns Praise for Distributing Free Plywood to Residents Ahead of Opong
Catanduanes hardware earns praises online for giving away free materials to help residents prepare for Severe Tropical Storm Opong.
Recently, Alvin Tumpang, a Facebook user, shared photos of a local hardware store in Catanduanes giving free materials to help residents prepare for an incoming storm. The post garnered various reactions from the online community.
As Typhoon Opong approaches, the store in Virac gave away free plywood to families who needed it to strengthen their homes.

Residents flocked to the hardware on Wednesday morning (September 24, 2025), lining up patiently for their turn. For many, the plywood means added protection against strong winds and heavy rain. In a province that often bears the brunt of powerful typhoons, every piece of wood can make a big difference in keeping families safe.
According to locals, this is not the first time the hardware owner has extended help. Each time a storm threatens the island, the store makes it a tradition to provide materials for free. The act of generosity shows a genuine sense of care and bayanihan in the face of danger.
On Thursday (September 25, 2025), the second day of distribution, the crowd grew even larger. People young and old joined the line, hopeful to bring home something that could help secure their homes.

The initiative earns praise across Catanduanes, with residents calling it a true display of compassion and solidarity. At the same time, authorities continue to monitor Typhoon Opong, which could make landfall in the Bicol region in the coming days.
While the storm’s full impact is yet to be seen, the generosity of one local business has already given the people of Catanduanes not only plywood but also a sense of hope and strength to face what lies ahead.

The post has a caption:
“keep safe
libreng flywood sa imerald
sa paghanda sa paparating ng bagyo”
In a previous post, a hardware store earned praise for letting stray dogs stay inside amid heat
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:

