Relief for Tino victims goes on

CEBU, Philippines — The St. Therese Diocesan Shrine of the Diocese of Naval, in partnership with the volunteers of director Lino Cayetano, the Salinas City CA-Cebu City Sisterhood International, the Manang Inday Foundation, and R2 Builders, continued its large-scale relief operations for families severely affected by Typhoon Tino.

Nearly 10,000 packs of relief goods, each containing five kilos of rice, bottled water, and other essential supplies, were distributed during an activity held at Bohemian Casili in Consolacion, Cebu.

Rey Martinez, who led the distribution of relief goods said that beneficiaries came from the towns of Liloan and Consolacion, as well as Cebu City and Talisay City.

A representative from the Office of the Mayor of Salinas City, California, also met with Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival to push for the reactivation of the long-standing Salinas City-Cebu City sister city agreement, aimed at fostering exchanges in agriculture, culture, innovation, and technology.

Meanwhile, Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat (PPP) Partylist Rep. Harold Duterte spearheaded a humanitarian outreach across Danao City, distributing 1,000 food packs to local fisherfolk and their families.

The first stop was Barangay Maslog, where Duterte met with fisherfolk leader Noel Morales and his group. Duterte lauded their contributions to the local food supply and reaffirmed PPP’s commitment to uplifting small-scale fisherfolk nationwide.

He then proceeded to Barangay Taboc, where Barangay Captain Dino Durano Sybico welcomed him. Discussions focused on livelihood concerns, marine protection, and support for fishing communities affected by recent weather disturbances.

The final leg of the distribution took place at Duterte Street, joined by Board Member Red Duterte.

In his message, Rep. Duterte emphasized PPP’s mission: “Ang PPP ay Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat at ang bawat mangingisda ay kasama sa laban para sa mas maunlad na bukas. Hindi kami nandito lang tuwing eleksyon; nandito kami para makinig, tumulong, at makipag-ugnayan.”

A total of 5,000 kilos of rice, repacked into 1,000 food packs, were distributed to ensure equitable aid for low-income households. Duterte extended his gratitude to barangay officials and volunteers for their support in organizing the relief effort.

“Danao City, Davao City, or anywhere in the archipelago, we share one sea, one purpose, and one heart for the Filipino fisherfolk,” he added.

PPP Partylist continues to champion the welfare of maritime workers, fisherfolk, and coastal communities by promoting sustainable fishing practices, disaster preparedness, and livelihood opportunities across the Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte ended her two-day visit (November 12 and 13) among typhoon victims in Cebu in Barangay Opao in Mandaue City, where she gave comforting words and spoke on disaster preparedness.

The Office of the Vice President provided relief assistance to over 300 typhoon victims in the said barangay.

Opao Barangay Captain Nizon “Jojo” Dizon and members of the barangay council received her at the barangay gymnasium where hundreds of typhoon victims waited for her arrival.

In her speech, Duterte reminded the people to be always prepared for any kind of disasters such as typhoon, earthquake, fire, among others.

Dizon said since the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, the barangay has already distributed relief packs that contained rice, canned goods, bottled water, sleeping kits, and hygiene kits, among other essential supplies to 4,000 households in the barangay and more assistance from the vice president is very welcome.

“Nagpasalamat mi nga sa kadagahan og barangay sa Opao, ang barangay Opao gyud ang napili nga hatagan niya og hinabang. Gidawat ra sad na namo nga kinasing-kasing,” said Dizon.

Barangay Opao had no casualties during the typhoon.

He said cleanup and restoration efforts are ongoing, with the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management team and volunteers conducting clearing and drainage operations to prevent further flooding.

He noted that while floodwaters have subsided, the barangay continues to monitor drainage systems and remains on alert for any new weather disturbances. — (FREEMAN)