VICTIMS of the late-year lethal storms that came through this country are still picking up the pieces. Literally and metaphorically, they have to rebuild their homes and their lives. Christmas is here, but it is not quite present in the normal way with them in their season of calamity.

Let me give you a report on Baras, Catanduanes, which was directly hit by Typhoon “Rolly” (international name: 'Goni') and then brushed by Typhoon “Ulysses.”