7 Volume 35 No. 1 | Autumn 2025 Society Matters around 1.4 million people evacuated from their homes. The damage was mostly felt on the islands of Cebu and Negros. Br Carlos Ferrada SVD of the SVD Central Philippines Province, was appointed by the Provincial, Fr Roger Bagao SVD, to coordinate the SVD Task Force to bring relief to the victims of Typhoon Tino. “We have conducted several relief missions,” Br Carlos said. “Currently, we are planning to bring help to 163 families living in tents. Their houses were destroyed by the Typhoon. So, this donation from Australia is very timely.” The Task Force brings together the concerted efforts of the SVD Philippines Southern Province, Word Broadcasting Corporation, and the University of San Carlos. It continues to respond to the various needs of the local communities that were damaged by typhoon Tino, including by distributing relief packs, rice, fuel for generators, potable drinking water and offering psychosocial support. In February, the Taskforce spent time with the families living in the tent city of Sitio Dauis, Barangay San Roque, Talisay City. “After losing their homes due to Typhoon Tino, these families continue to face many challenges. In response, Volume 36 No. 1 | Autumn 2026 the SVD Task Force came to support them and help improve their living conditions,” a report on the Taskforce’s Facebook page said. “The activity began with the blessing of the residents and the tents as their temporary dwelling places, followed by the introduction of the Task Force members and municipal officials. “Games for children and adults brought joy and laughter to the community. This was followed by the distribution of gifts: toys and stationery for children and youth, and mats for each family. The distribution of plastic pallets also began, which will help keep families dry inside their tents despite the rain and mud. “The activity concluded with a delicious lunch shared by everyone distributed by our volunteers. We hope that this activity brought relief to the families, though momentary, and renewed their hope for a better future. Indeed, it was a celebration of ‘Paglaum sa Kinabuhi’. “Our heartfelt thanks to our benefactors who made this act of love possible.”
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