Negros ‘Relief Chain’ built on donations becomes lifeline after Typhoon Tino

Ordinary citizens, school groups, and volunteer organizations have banded together to deliver more than 1,500 food packs to families devastated by Typhoon Tino in Central Negros, forming a grassroots relief network that continues to reach communities still struggling with mud-choked roads and damaged homes.

Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI), 99.7 Brigada News FM Kabankalan, and several school-based and independent groups lead the “people-powered relief chain,” relying on donations from individuals who want to stand with affected communities.

At Yubo Elementary School in La Carlota City on Sunday, November 16, HBONI director for programs Sybel Nobleza told evacuees that the surge of assistance reflects “how unity becomes a form of survival,” emphasizing that the donations came from individuals who “wanted to stand with communities in crisis.”

She said that every bottle or container donated by ordinary citizens gives another day of safe water to communities that have no access to clean sources at the moment.

HBONI founder Kenneth Bacala said the organization has already completed four operations bring over 1,500 food packs, reaching residents in Hacienda Alicia, Barangay 5, Hacienda Antolanga in Barangay Tinongan, and Barangays Bulad and Bungahin in Isabela town.

Relief teams also distributed food packs to families in Barangay Yubo in La Carlota City and Barangay Cabacungan in La Castellana town.

Bacala said HBONI is now preparing to send support to Canlaon and other affected communities in the coming days, including helping build makeshift classrooms for Don Benito Lopez Elementary School.

Nobleza thanked the broad network of partners whose contributions kept the relief chain moving, including LN Agustin Farms, Jas Amazing Journey, Attorney Mercedes K. Alvarez, OFW Hong Kong supporters, the Little Hummingbirds in Action Foundation, and First Aid Responders La Carlota.

She also extended her gratitude to Alpha Sigma Phi Organization, Barangay Tagukon SK Council, Art Relief Mobile – Bacolod, Panyam-is, Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines – Inayawan, CPSU Graduate School, CPSU SAS, and the 94th Infantry Battalion, saying the response shows what happens “when communities choose to help, even if they themselves face challenges.”* (Reymund Titong)