In a significant response to the devastation caused by recent typhoons, the National Government has mobilized substantial aid for the province of Negros Occidental. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given his approval for the allocation of a P45-million Presidential Assistance Fund specifically for local government units (LGUs) severely impacted by the storms.
Financial Support and Distribution
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed that the financial assistance will be directed towards areas that bore the brunt of Typhoon Tino on November 4, 2025. The allocation designates P10 million each for La Carlota City, La Castellana, and Moises Padilla. Furthermore, the municipalities of Binalbagan, Isabela, and Hinigiran will receive P5 million each. This new funding is a crucial addition to the P50 million previously allocated for the province's own typhoon response and rehabilitation initiatives.
On-the-Ground Relief Operations
The commitment to aid was visibly demonstrated on November 11, 2025, when Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Education Secretary Sonny Angara personally led the National Government's relief operations. They were accompanied by Governor Lacson and other national representatives during an inspection tour of towns and cities within the Fifth District.
The relief efforts included multi-agency support. The Department of Health (DOH) provided commodities and medicines worth P196,000. This vital shipment included treatments for leptospirosis, maintenance medications for hypertension, vitamins, and containers for safe water storage.
Adding to the support, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) distributed 100 shelter-grade tarpaulins, which were sourced from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United States Agency for International Development.
Assessment of Critical Infrastructure
The secretaries and governor conducted on-site visits to assess the damage to critical infrastructure. Among the key sites inspected were the Biao Spillway in Binalbagan, the Jose Pepito Montilla Garcia Sr. National High School in Moises Padilla, and the severely affected Buhangin River "Wipe-Out Bridge" in La Castellana. These inspections underscore the government's focus on both immediate relief and the longer-term task of rebuilding essential structures for the communities.
