Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) extended humanitarian assistance to 3,505 individuals across the towns of Isabela, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, and La Carlota City during a two-part relief mission held on November 11 and 16, 2025.
The initiative, dubbed CHMSUyanihan: Operasyon Bangin Quinto Distrito, mobilized university volunteers to reach evacuation centers and severely affected communities in Southern Negros Occidental.
PRAYER. The CHMSUyanihan team of volunteers begins the Nov. 16 mission with a prayer.
Ela Reign Buelos photos
Over the course of two days, the team distributed 695 food packs, 400 hygiene kits, 400 cleaning supply packages, and 50 sacks of pre-loved clothing, shoes, bags, and household items.
In partnership with Nature’s Spring Foundation, Inc. (NSFI), the mission provided 2,500 units of 10-liter Nature’s Spring distilled drinking water. This was supplemented by 2,377 containers of clean water—filled free of charge by partner refilling stations in Talisay and Bacolod cities.
Additional support included 1,800 Bioderm soaps from International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPI) and 720 bath soaps from Clean the World Foundation
DISTRIBUTION. On the Nov. 11 visit of CHMSU in La Castellana, they brought food packs, clothes, and clean water along with hot meals for the communities in at Bahay Silangan – Fastrac in Brgy. Robles.
John Carlo Visca photos
On November 11, CHMSU volunteers delivered initial aid to 192 families (708 individuals) at evacuation shelters in Velez Malaga Elementary School and Brgy. Silangan–Fastrac, as well as nearby communities in Brgy. Robles, La Castellana.
In collaboration with Art Relief Mobile Kitchen and the office of Councilor Christine Thel Geollegue, the team served hot meals, “ginisang monggo with chicken”, to 429 evacuees.
BREAKFAST. Third District Congressman Dino Yulo and Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo welcomed the volunteers with a hearty breakfast to the start the operations, Nov. 16.
Ela Reign Buelos photos
On November 16, the CHMSUyanihan team was welcomed by Fifth District Representative Dino Yulo and Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo. After a courtesy breakfast, volunteers proceeded to the town’s socio-cultural center, which had been converted into a consolidated evacuation site.
Aid was distributed to 81 families (297 individuals), and 1,682 containers of clean drinking water were turned over to the town hall for further distribution.
FIRST STOP. Evacuees staying at the Isabela Socio-Cultural Center received the first batch of aid. The CHMSU volunteers then dropped off additional drinking water at the town hall.
Ela Reign Buelos photos
In Moises Padilla, Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo and Vice Mayor Felix Mathias Segundo Yulo III received the team for a situation briefing.
Relief was then extended to 90 families (330 individuals) sheltering at Odiong Elementary School, whose homes had been partially or completely destroyed. An additional 238 residents in surrounding areas received food packs and water.
The team also conducted roadside distribution in Brgy. 1, handing out 186 containers of distilled water to 93 individuals, and left 44 more with Vice Mayor Yulo for further allocation.
BEYOND THE SHELTER. Aside from bringing aid to the families staying at Odiong Elementary School, the communties surrounding the the evacuation shelter also received relief packs and drinking water. The team also stopped over at roadside Brgy. 1 to drop more drinking water to affected households.
Ela Reign Buelos photos
Later that afternoon, the team returned to La Castellana to deliver aid to 81 families (200 individuals) at the municipal evacuation center.
At La Castellana Elementary School, water was distributed to 299 families (1,090 individuals). The day concluded with a final stop at Bahay Silangan–Fastrac, where 95 families (325 individuals) received additional support.
RETURN. After the distribution of goods at the La Castellana Elementary School and Municipal Evacuation Center on Nov. 16, the team returned to Bahay Silangan – Fastrac bringing more aid.
Ela Reign Buelos photos
The Sunday operations concluded at La Carlota North Elementary School, where 132 containers of distilled water were distributed to 66 families (224 individuals).
An additional 828 containers were turned over to the La Carlota City Social Welfare and Development Office for distribution to nearby evacuation camps.
The relief effort was made possible through the collective work of volunteers from Ang Paglaum Multipurpose Cooperative, the Federation of CHMSU University Student Government, the Event Management Team, BTLED students, and the Friends of Padre Pio youth organization.
WRAP-UP. To conlcude the relief operations, the team brought clean drinking water to families staying at La Carlota North Elementary School in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Oiffice.
Ela Reign Buelos photos
CHMSUyanihan also expresses sincerest gratitude to its donors and volunteers, whose generosity and commitment brought tangible aid and renewed hope to communities in crisis.
The CHMSUyanihan team also deeply thanks Talisay City Mayor Rowena “Weng” Lizares, Vice Mayor Gab Villacin, Councilor Kurt “Inton” Treyes, Clean the World organization, Barangay 36 Chairperson Joemarie Biasca of Bacolod City, Meca J, Thunderbugs Bacolod Motorcycle Club, Inc. through Saulo Lizares, Zeph Printing Services, and Johnny Aquino for the additional logistical and donation support.
CHMSU is also deeply grateful to SM City Bacolod, Savemore Fortune Towne, and Robinsons Place Bacolod for opening their spaces to help amplify the campaign and reach more hearts.
A huge thank you as well to the CHMSU Water Refilling Station, Jax Water Station, Dreigon’s Water Refilling Station, Jm Tm Purified Drinking Water, and MRS Water Refilling Station for providing potable water.
