Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio personally oversaw the distribution of critical food assistance to thousands of Filipinos in the Negros Island Region (NIR) on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The relief mission was a direct response to the severe damage caused by the back-to-back onslaught of Typhoons "Tino" and "Uwan."
Comprehensive Relief Across Multiple Cities
The Vice President led operations across several hard-hit localities, bringing essential aid to the residents of Himamaylan City, Binalbagan, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, La Carlota City, Bago City, and Bacolod City. Each pack contained staple goods like rice, water, and canned goods to provide immediate sustenance.
Her scheduled visit to Canlaon City had to be postponed because roads were rendered impassable by Typhoon Tino. Despite this logistical challenge, her office ensured that relief goods successfully reached the affected families in the city.
Personal Touches and Essential Support
During her visit to Himamaylan National High School, the Vice President's trip included heartwarming personal gestures. She presented a new pair of shoes to a 10-year-old boy who was celebrating his birthday on that very day, November 11.
In a notable act of recognition, Duterte-Carpio also pledged to give an iPhone 17 to Barangay 3 Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman Mark Salem. This reward was for his selfless decision to assist his neighbors during a preemptive evacuation on his birthday, November 3, rather than celebrating.
Understanding the critical need for communication during disasters, the Office of the Vice President distributed prepaid load cards to at least 1,000 residents in Himamaylan City. This initiative allows individuals to call or text family members and rescuers when it matters most.
Looking toward recovery, the Vice President pledged GI sheet materials for at least 400 evacuees in Binalbagan. These materials are vital for residents to begin reconstructing their homes damaged by the storms.
A Message of Gratitude and Safety
Duterte-Carpio expressed her sincere gratitude to the local officials who worked tirelessly to assist their constituents. She also took the opportunity to remind Negrenses of crucial safety measures to observe during calamities.
Her advice included practical steps such as preparing personal belongings and medicine kits, knowing the locations of evacuation centers, and keeping cellphones and power banks fully charged. She also emphasized the importance of prayer for many Filipinos facing such challenges.
In a somber note of condolence, the Office of the Vice President sent a total of 14 funeral wreaths to Bago City, La Carlota City, La Castellana, and Canlaon City, honoring those who lost their lives.
The Vice President's mission continues, as she is scheduled to be in Cebu City on Wednesday, November 12, to distribute relief goods to those affected by Typhoon Tino. "While we are waiting for the damage assessment from other regions, we are here in Negros and then Cebu because of Typhoon 'Tino,'" she stated.
