Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), which struck the central Philippines on November 4, 2025, left a trail of destruction across Negros Occidental, displacing thousands and prompting urgent humanitarian response.
According to the Provincial Government, the storm affected 179,092 families—an estimated 661,900 individuals—across 547 barangays in 31 local government units.
Among the hardest-hit areas is La Castellana, a town nestled at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon, where 7,320 residents were forced to evacuate. Many remain in temporary shelters, as local infrastructure struggles to recover from the deluge and fierce winds that battered the region.
DEVASTATION. The wrath of Typhoon Tino left over 7,000 persons in La Castellana town seeking shelter in evacuation centers.
John Carlos Visca photos
On November 11, volunteers from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) launched a relief mission under the banner CHMSUyanihan: Operasyon Bangon Quinto Distrito. The initiative, led by faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners, delivered aid to affected communities in La Castellana and documented widespread damage—including toppled trees, flooded homes, and blocked roads.
Volunteers reported that large logs and forest debris had been swept down from the slopes of Mount Kanlaon Natural Park, obstructing key access routes and damaging property.
MAKESHIFT. With the concrete bridge destroyed by the rushing whitewater and debris at the height of the storm, residents are left crossing on a bamboo bridge to get relief and food packs which are mainly distributed in evacuation shelters.
John Carlos Visca photos
The CHMSUyanihan campaign plans to return to La Castellana, as well as the neighboring towns of Isabela and Moises Padilla, to distribute drinking water, food packs, clean clothing, beddings, and hygiene kits. The effort is sustained by donations from generous individuals and organizations.
Cash contributions are still accepted via GCash (account number 0938-658-0015, under the name FCUSG Treasurer Chrisha Joy Natividad).
In-kind donations may be dropped off at CHMSUyanihan booths located at SM City Bacolod’s North Wing Main Atrium, Savemore Fortune Towne, and the guard houses of CHMSU’s Alijis, Binalbagan, Fortune Towne, and Talisay campuses.
REBUILDING. A week after the typhoon, residents have begun returning to their homes, sifting through the remnants and slowly rebuilding their lives, one day at a time.
John Carlos Visca photos
