BAGYONG TINO
BRGY. 1 BANAGO CITY, BACOLOD
On Nov 3, 2025, day before Bagyong Tino (Kalmaegi) struck Negros Occidental, our Street Reach Out Team from the Open Day Center was on the streets of Bacolod City, checking in on our beneficiaries They briefed the children and families on what to expect and ensured they had a safe place to ride out the storm Food items were provided to those in need, giving them one less worry during the approaching typhoon Meanwhile, at the FAITH Farm in Bago City, preparations were in full swing, canals were cleared to guide floodwaters away from vegetable plots, livestock were secured, and harvest-ready produce was collected, all in the hope of minimizing the storm’s impact
Even with these preparations, the storm revealed its strength on the morning of Nov 4, 2025 Winds tore through trees at the farm that had stood steady for years, and the fish pond overflowed Residents stayed safely indoors with the home parents as the FARM residence endured damage to its roof. The relief of knowing everyone was unharmed settled in only after the wind finally calmed, but the damage was unprecedented
WEDNESDAY
A glimpse of the areas in Bacolod City most affected by Typhoon Tino, showing the strength of nature and the challenges faced by our communities around the city
OPEN DAY CENTER, BACOLOD CITY
SCENES OF THE STORM
On Nov. 5, the Virlanie FAITH team set out to visit the communities of our beneficiaries in Bacolod City. The scenes that greeted them were heartbreaking: homes destroyed, lives in shambles, and entire neighborhoods at a loss on how to start rebuilding
“We just held on to faith.”
Ellen, Brgy. 1
In a small home built on very low ground, Ellen and her ten family members watched as floodwaters rushed inside, soaking what little they owned
“Nag-sulod gid ang tubig sa balay namon ” Ellen’s grandmother shared with her voice trembling. “We just held on to faith ”
For Ellen’s family, survival is a daily act of courage Eleven people depend on the frail but steadfast care of their grandmother Their situation is a reminder that some families do not have the privilege to rebuild, because they never had enough to begin with
WEATHER VOICES
“Our house is now part of the ocean.”
“I was carrying life while running for ours.”
Joey Joy, Brgy. Vista Alegre
For Joey Joy, the choice was simple but harrowing: run or risk everything Pregnant and carrying her 2-year-old daughter, she had no time to gather possessions when the wind ripped off parts of the roof above their home. She fled to her mother’s house and held her toddler close
“Wala na time magkuha gamit Kabuhi nalang sang ginadala ko kag ni Athena” she said, one hand resting on her stomach. “I was carrying life while running for ours ”
Renato, Brgy. 13
In Brgy. 13, Renato lost not just his home, but the very ground it stood on
“Gindala gid sang hangin sa dagat ang amon balay,” his mother said quietly Their house, built near the shore, was completely blown away and swept into the sea. Only fragments of wood and memories remain
“We always rebuild, Renato’s mother said, looking toward the waves. “But how long can we keep doing this?”
His mother’s question lingers A painful truth for families whose vulnerability is as constant as the tides
She sought refuge in her mother’s house as the wind raged on Now, she returns to what remains a half-open house, walls still trembling from the storm’s force Yet her spirit remains unbroken.
“Bisan ano ka kapoy, indi ka magpabilin nga wala ga giho kag need ko gid mag work,” she said, eyes shining with quiet resolve. “I need to work for I am about to give birth to another child
SCENES OF THE STORM
VIRLANIE FAITH FARM BAGO CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
A visual record of the damage sustained by the Virlanie FAITH Farm, showing the realities our staff and residents faced in the wake of Typhoon Tino
When the winds of Typhoon Tino finally settled, the extent of the damage at the Virlanie FAITH Farm in Bago City was distressing. Uprooted and cut trees, an overflowing fish pond, dead livestock, and totally destroyed huts painted a scene of devastation.
Chickens and quails perished, with the chicken coop partially damaged.
WEATHERED VOICES
Hernan, FAITH Farm Resident
At the Virlanie FAITH Farm, one of the male residents, Hernan, recalled how scared he was at the height of the storm, sharing how he and he and fellow resident, Kennedy, had just prayed out of fear, hoping they never experience something like this again.
He also shared his sadness at seeing the state of the farm after the typhoon. “Nakakalungkot, marami ang nasira.”
It was inspiring to hear Hernan add “pero ganoon talaga and buhay”. That’s life.
Towards the end of the interview, we asked Hernan of what he wishes for. He said that he hopes that the farm is able to recover and will be as it was before the typhoon struck, and he hopes this will not hamper their activities. He also hopes that other people will be helped, as he is aware of the widespread devastation the typhoon brought to other places.
“ang na ano ko lang, ang aton crops naubos guid Wala guid bilin nga makuha”
Tatay Dario Namia, Farm Staff
Farm Staff Tatay Dario Namia arrived at the Farm at 7am on Nov. 4. He recounts that the rain and wind was already quite strong The pond was starting to fill quickly, as debris had flown into it. He had estimated over 150kilos of tilapia were already lost by then. By around 10am, the winds really picked up. This was when trees fell- flattening all the banana trees at the Farm, and downing the large mango tree into the kitchen roof
With the typhoon at its peak, the staff could only wait it out, securing the safety of the residents was the priority, as all the staff stood close. By 3pm, the winds had slowed and Tatay Dario made his rounds What they saw was heartbreaking Trees were cut everywhere he looked. Chickens and quails had perished. Light structures like our bahay kubo were totally destroyed.
The part he regrets the most is his beloved crops. Diligently tended for months with the help of the residents, only to be wiped out by a single typhoon. He laments that nothing was saved.
A STEP FORWARD
Even in the wake of destruction, our work did not stop. This section highlights the immediate efforts made to reach our beneficiaries, provide relief, and offer support where it was needed most
OPEN DAY CENTER, BACOLOD CITY
After assessing the damage and identifying the specific needs of our beneficiaries, the team mobilized targeted efforts to provide support where it was most urgently required The affected beneficiaries were invited to the Open Day Center where rice and other necessities were distributed, along with guidance and emotional support from our social workers as families processed what they had experienced
A STEP FORWARD
VIRLANIE FAITH FARM BAGO CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
The Farm staff’s immediate concern in the days following the typhoon was securing clean drinking water, as well as clearing debris, and removing fallen trees, with the bigger ones needing assistance from the DPWH and the barangay The remaining tilapia in the pond was harvested, and all livestock were attended to and secured. While the typhoon tested our preparedness, it also highlighted areas where we can improve and stengthen. Guided by this, we have outlined a comprehensive restoration plan aimed at restoring the farm and ensuring the safety and sustainability of our programs, so that our residents can continue to thrive despite this challenge
Phase 1 – Livestock and Farm Recovery:
Fallen trees will be processed into charcoal, banana trunks cut for compost or arts-andcrafts materials, and some set aside for barter or sale. The livestock area will be repaired and improved with additional sheds for cooler spaces, rebuilt fences, and restoration of a small pond as a duck breeding area Collaboration with the Department of Agriculture will be sought for guidance and possible assistance
Phase 2 – Vegetable and Crop Restoration:
Vegetable areas will be plowed and prepared with the support of hired farmers and a farm consultant. Concrete plant boxes will be constructed, the greenhouse reconstructed, and tree branches trimmed near structures. With guidance from the DA Consultant, the farm will implement new and innovative agricultural development plans to ensure sustainable and improved production.
OPEN DAY CENTER, BACOLOD CITY
BE A PART OF THEIR RECOVERY BE A PART OF THEIR RECOVERY
The road to recovery for our Open Day Center beneficiaries is long, and we need all the help we can get
Donations of building materials, food, and clean drinking water can make a real difference in helping families rebuild their homes and restore a sense of security after Typhoon Tino
Plywood sheets for walls, temporary shelters, or roof repairs
Galvanized iron (G.I.) sheets for roofing
Nails, screws, and fasteners which essential for construction
Timber or lumber for framing and structural repairs
Plastic tarpaulins / heavy-duty sheets for temporary roofing or covering damaged areas
Cement / sand / gravel for rebuilding walls or foundations
Basic food items: rice, canned goods, instant noodles, other easy-to-prepare meals
Clean Drinking Water
The road to recovery for our Open Day Center beneficiaries is long, and we need all the help we can get
Donations of building materials, food, and clean drinking water can make a real difference in helping families rebuild their homes and restore a sense of security after Typhoon Tino
Building and repair materials such as plywood, galvanized iron (G I) sheets, timber/lumber, nails, screws, roofing materials, cement, sand, gravel.
Livestock and crop support such as materials for repairing crop pens and animal shelters
Agricultural supplies like seedlings for trees, seeds for vegetables, fertilizers, and other planting essentials
Monetary donations allow us to purchase exactly what is needed to repair the FAITH Farm and support our residents and staff
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps rebuild damaged structures, restore vegetable plots, repair crop pens, and provide essential supplies for daily living.
Donations in kind may be dropped off at the ff. locations:
11
Open Day Center-
Cordova Ave., Brgy. 18, Bacolod City. Virlanie FAITH Farm- Villa Cristeta 1, Brgy Ma-ao, Bago City
VIRLANIE FAITH FARM BAGO CITY, NEGROS OCC.