December 18, 2025
After Cebu, Tzu Chi extends relief to Negros Island
By Dorothy Castro
Holidays have always been about warmth and togetherness for Filipino communities–colorful banners, wreaths, and lanterns often lining the streets of every town.
But this December, the Negros Island Region was covered in mud, ash, and debris, as countless residents continued picking up the pieces of their lives in the aftermath of typhoons Tino (Kalmaegi), Uwan (Fung-Wong), and Verbena (Koto).
Typhoon Tino, which made landfall on November 4, brought strong winds and three hours of relentless flooding that displaced thousands of families. The most recent typhoon, Verbena, also caused severe flooding, further adding to the community’s struggles.
Following Tzu Chi’s successful relief operations in Cebu, volunteers traveled to Bacolod to conduct ocular visits in areas affected by the consecutive typhoons. Singcang-Airport Barangay Captain Rosinie Distrito, the focal person of the community, recalled Tzu Chi’s first arrival on November 30: “They went to the area themselves, investigated, and talked to the affected families about what support they needed,” he shared.
As part of the three-day operations, Distrito witnessed Tzu Chi’s dedicated efforts firsthand. “During that time, they said they could not make promises about what they could provide,” he said. Imagine his surprise when he saw the scale of Tzu Chi’s relief operations, which served almost 2,000 beneficiaries from seven towns across four cities from December 14 to 16.
These relief efforts were also made possible with the support of the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which provided logistical assistance and helped facilitate the gathering of supplies as Tzu Chi volunteers coordinated the distributions.
For Tzu Chi volunteer Sharon Sy, who coordinated the relief distributions alongside husband Willy Sy and fellow volunteers, one thing was clear–the need to give comfort to each family during the holidays. “Hearing their needs saddened us, because even having a roof over their heads had become a luxury to them,” Sy shared.
Volunteers distributed different types of aid based on accessibility and community needs across the cities of Canlaon, Bago, Bacolod, and La Carlota: 25-kilogram sacks of rice, assorted groceries, gift vouchers, and construction material vouchers.
For families in remote areas, grocery vouchers redeemable at Puregold were provided. In addition, recognizing that many households had partially or totally damaged homes, Tzu Chi distributed construction material vouchers worth ₱5,000, ₱10,000, and ₱20,000 to support families in rebuilding their homes.
For displaced families who had no home to return to, Tzu Chi volunteers provided them with financial aid.
This chance encounter with Tzu Chi was an answered prayer for 51-year-old Gina Reyes from Bacolod City, who had been surviving the aftermath of the typhoon through shared grief and mutual support with her neighbors.
“All we could do was clean our house, so the grief would not overwhelm us,” Reyes said. She, along with two neighbors, both 59 years old, have been staying together from the day they were forced to take shelter on the roofs of their homes.
For many residents visited by Tzu Chi, solidarity stood out as a defining strength. They live not only for themselves, but also for their families and neighbors.
“I must stay strong, because I still have my mom,” said Evelyn Demegillo. While she and her 85-year-old mother Angelina Moñon were able to flee their flooded home, her brother, Jose Moñon, was unable to escape and later passed away due to the flooding. “It hurts to lose a brother, and to no longer have a home.”
Demegillo had to lay Jose to rest, as losing their home and resources left his children unable to see him. In this difficult time, Tzu Chi’s support became something she could hold on to for survival. Apart from the provided relief, the foundation gave Demegillo’s mother and other families with casualties additional cash assistance.
Meanwhile, Cerenia Marcelo from Kakapihan could not shake off the trauma she and her son experienced as they ran from the raging floodwaters that swept up their home and left it in pieces along the riverbank. This was only one of the hardships they endured, as two typhoons and minor volcanic ash emissions from Mt. Kanlaon affected their community in early November.
Yet, even in the face of loss, her generosity prevailed. Marcelo donated the P5 she had to Tzu Chi’s coin can, hoping it would help others in need.
Even in times of challenges, empathy finds its way through. “All I shared was five pesos, yet Tzu Chi gave me so much more: groceries, rice, and even the means to rebuild our house,” she happily declared.
“You are our strength in recovery here in the town of Roberto S. Benedicto,” says Alberto Ego-ogan, one of the 1,200 beneficiaries in La Carlota to receive grocery vouchers and financial assistance.
“We hope this help reaches them through the well wishes of Dharma Master Cheng Yen and the generosity of our donors,” said Sy.
DSWD Solicitation Permit No.: DSWD-SB-PSP-S-2025-000072
A month since Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) struck communities in Negros Island, destruction and debris have been a constant reality for many families.
Right after arrival at the Bacolod Silay Airport, Tzu Chi volunteers promptly began their relief efforts in the town of Singcang-Airport at the covered court of JR Torres Elementary School.
Beyond sourcing items and providing logistical support, PCCCI members also took part in the distributions themselves.
Singcang-Airport Barangay Captain Rosinie Distrito (wearing black shirt) took part in the three-day relief mission alongside Tzu Chi volunteers.
A Tzu Chi volunteer gives comforting words to a beneficiary who recalls her struggles in the aftermath of the typhoons.
Tzu Chi volunteer Sharon Sy, who helped lead the team of volunteers, happily showed beneficiaries the different items they will receive.
Tzu Chi volunteers and PCCCI members lead a solemn prayer.
PCCCI member Jet Lee (left) happily takes part in distributing grocery vouchers to beneficiaries.
At Singcang-Airport, Tzu Chi catered to 248 beneficiaries from the districts of Kaingin and Mars.
Volunteers thank beneficiaries as they receive relief.
Beneficiaries pose for photos with Tzu Chi volunteer Sharon Sy (first from left), who led the relief operations in Singcang-Airport.
(From left) Purok Mars neighbors Corazon Barona, Ailen Landisa, and Gina Reyes show the gift vouchers and basic necessities they received from Tzu Chi.
Gina Reyes (in light blue) is grateful to receive the ₱20,000 construction voucher to help rebuild their home.
Smiles are exchanged as everyone puts great effort in preparing the relief goods.
On December 15, Tzu Chi distributed relief goods to 148 families in the districts of Kakapihan 1 and 2, in Bago City’s Mailum Covered Court.
Many beneficiaries anticipate what they will receive during relief.
Beneficiary Inocencia Gelaver (in purple) is happy to receive relief from Tzu Chi and grateful for the early blessings for the holidays.
Flanked by Tzu Chi volunteers Sally Yuñez (left) and Woon Ng (right), Inocencia Gelaver says “thank you” with a thumbs-up sign.
Beneficiary Cerenia Marcelo (in orange cap) expresses her gratitude for Tzu Chi’s relief. Now she has the resources to celebrate the holidays with her family despite the typhoon’s effects.
Tzu Chi Youth volunteers man the registration area for beneficiaries in Canlaon City.
In Canlaon City, 331 families residing in the districts of Mabigo and Panubigan received grocery gift checks and construction material vouchers.
Beneficiaries share a light moment as they take part in a fun massage activity.
Even when many lost their homes to the typhoon, beneficiaries continue to help others, enthusiastically sharing their blessings through Tzu Chi’s coin cans.
A beneficiary sheds tears as she learns about the financial assistance she will receive to help her recover from the consecutive typhoons.
Many beneficiaries are happy to join in memorable photos, joyfully shouting “Thank you, Tzu Chi!”
Tzu Chi volunteer Willy Sy bows as he hands over financial assistance to a beneficiary.
Beneficiaries Angelina Moñon (left) and her daughter Evelyn Demegillo give a thumbs-up sign, Tzu Chi’s special way of saying thank you.
In La Carlota, Tzu Chi catered to 1,200 beneficiaries.
Alberto Ego-ogan (right) poses for a photo with his wife, in the area where their home once stood.
Once a warm and safe space, the Ego-ogan family’s home has been reduced to debris after the typhoon.
Tzu Chi volunteer Wilson Hung (left) led the team in La Carlota, where he greeted beneficiaries with a smile.
Beneficiaries in La Carlota raise their thumbs in thanks.
Tzu Chi volunteers take a photo with fellow volunteers from PCCCI after a successful relief distribution.