December 4, 2025
Service without borders: Tzu Chi volunteers unite to rebuild lives
By Thania Florendo
Service with compassion knows no borders. From Luzon to Mindanao, Tzu Chi volunteers traveled without hesitation to answer the call of families in Cebu severely affected by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), which struck on November 4. Across the Philippines, a nationwide network of volunteers came together, delivering not only material aid but also reassurance to remind survivors that even in devastation, they were not alone.
Relief operations were conducted in Talisay, Mandaue, Consolacion, Compostela, Danao, and Liloan from November 28 to 29. Operations were carried out with close coordination among Tzu Chi volunteers, barangay officials, and partner groups to ensure orderly distribution. Despite large crowds, teamwork and discipline kept the operations running smoothly.
A total of 388 volunteers and staff served 6,791 affected families, 1,017 of them with totally damaged homes and 5,774 with partially damaged homes. Volunteers from Leyte, Manila, Pampanga, Davao, and Zamboanga worked side by side with the Cebu team, turning quiet service into a powerful expression of unity. Long travel hours, fatigue, and unpredictable conditions did not weaken their resolve.
Among the volunteers was Dhing Abdulaup from Zamboanga, who arrived with three doctors to conduct a mini-medical mission at the Sisters of Mary–Girlstown evacuation center in Talisay. The team provided consultations and basic medicines for adults and pediatric patients.
“The experience was really fulfilling. In Zamboanga, we usually focus on surgery, so this was new for us. Serving 301 patients and easing their pain made a real difference,” Dhing shared.
Inside evacuation centers, hardship slowly gave way to moments of relief. Many families received a 25-kilogram sack of rice for the first time, along with groceries and financial assistance that restored a sense of normalcy.
“Many of them are overwhelmed because this is the first time they have received 25 kg of rice. With groceries included, it felt like they were shopping again. It was overwhelming for us too, seeing their smiles,” said Leonida Gaerlan, a Tzu Chi volunteer from Cebu assigned to the Opao Gymnasium distribution.
“During ocular visits, I saw homes gone and belongings covered in mud. Some areas had no water for three weeks. Witnessing their suffering made me realize how resilient they are,” she added.
Leading overall coordination in Cebu was Mulric Sarmiento, who helped identify the hardest-hit barangays and organize distribution areas. Through field validation and site visits, the team finalized the list of beneficiaries and ensured aid reached those most in need.
“We hope this assistance reaches not just their hands but their hearts. More than goods or money, we want them to feel they are not alone,” Mulric explained.
Despite muddy roads, long hours, and exhaustion, volunteers pressed on. In wiped-out communities, solidarity and care outlasted the storm. Strangers became families, municipalities became one force, and where Typhoon Tino once left destruction, acts of kindness began rebuilding lives, piece by piece.
As recovery continues, Tzu Chi’s mission lives on—not only through aid distributed, but in homes rebuilt, patients treated, and families reminded they are not alone. It stands as proof that even in moments of great loss, humanity responds with greater heart.
Resident volunteers unload sacks of rice at the Opao Gymnasium in Mandaue City during relief operations.
LGU volunteers assist in unloading grocery supplies for affected families ahead of distribution.
Staff and volunteers manage the busy registration table on Day 1, releasing stubs to organize relief distribution efficiently.
Staff and volunteers manage the busy registration table on Day 1, releasing stubs to organize relief distribution efficiently.
Dr. Edil-Joshua Ganas of Tzu Chi Zamboanga provides medical consultation to families affected.
A child opens his mouth for a check-up during the Tzu Chi mini-medical mission.
Volunteer Mulric Sarmiento coordinates with local leaders to organize barangay beneficiary lists on Day 1 of the relief operation.
Tzu Chi volunteers in Compostela lead a community prayer with residents ahead of relief distribution activities.
Beneficiaries in Compostela wave their stubs happily as they prepare to claim grocery assistance.
Tzu Chi staff patiently assist beneficiaries in double-checking the master lists during the relief operation.
Cebu volunteers hand out essential supplies such as sugar, milk, and coffee to beneficiaries.
A Tzu Chi volunteer assists a senior citizen in the priority lane during the release of stubs.
Volunteers Mulric Sarmiento (left) and Joy Gatdula share thoughts on gratitude and selfless giving to Talisay beneficiaries.
Even after losing almost everything, residents willingly contributed to the coin cans.
Tzu Chi Zamboanga volunteer Dhing Abdulaup distributes a sack of rice to a beneficiary.
Tzu Chi Cebu volunteer Leonida Gaerlan leads a prayer for residents frequently affected by calamities in Cebu.
Residents of Mandaue join in prayer, seeking strength and hope for a speedy recovery.
Student volunteers from Sisters of Mary Girlstown stand ready to support the relief distribution.
Sisters of Mary student volunteers smile after helping with crowd control at the relief distribution.
Volunteers assigned to Opao, Mandaue, pose to celebrate the success of the relief distribution.
Volunteers in Talisay pose after accommodating the largest number of beneficiaries in Cebu’s relief distribution.