“I am happy because someone helped us today, as life has been very difficult for us after Typhoon Tino. We are truly grateful to you for giving assistance. Without this support, life would be even harder for us because we have no jobs and I am already old.”— A resident of Barangay Cabagdalan.
Families in remote and hard-to-reach areas of Cebu have received critical non-food items as MARADECA, in partnership with Give to the World, conducted relief operations in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino. MARADECA has been at the forefront of humanitarian response during every disaster, aimed to provide immediate assistance, restore hope, and help devastated communities begin the recovery process.
The relief operation reached Barangay Cabagdalan on November 26, 2025, where 315 families received essential non-food items, followed by Barangay Biasong in Talisay City on November 27, 2025, where 79 families were assisted. MARADECA, continuing its mission of serving vulnerable communities during disasters, prioritized these areas due to their limited access to aid. Cabagdalan’s main bridge was destroyed during the typhoon, while Biasong faced muddy, impassable roads and had only a small evacuation site.
Each family received blankets, sleeping mats, butane, hygiene kits, shelter kits, kitchenware, and other essential supplies designed to help them rebuild a sense of normalcy after the disaster.
The distribution ensured that the most vulnerable residents had access to basic necessities during their time of greatest need. Working closely with local government units (LGUs), coordinated the delivery of supplies to ensure aid reached even the most isolated communities. The LGUs provided critical support for transportation, helping teams navigate damaged infrastructure and difficult terrain to reach hard-to-access areas.
The assistance brought visible relief to affected residents. A resident from Barangay Biasong shared, “Thank you so much to Give to the World and MARADECA for the support you gave us today. We can now start over because we were truly back to zero. After Typhoon Tino, all our belongings and our home were washed out, and we weren’t able to save anything. The items you provided are a great help for us as we begin rebuilding our lives.”
Ms. Fairosa emphasized that humanitarian response is grounded in impartiality, neutrality, and a rights-based approach. She clarified that MARADECA does not select beneficiaries based on religion, ethnicity, political affiliation, or social identity, but solely on vulnerability and level of need. According to her, humanitarian action must transcend religious and cultural boundaries, especially in times of crisis. MARADECA’s mandate is to uphold human dignity and ensure that assistance reaches the most underserved and hardest-to-reach communities, regardless of who they are or what they believe in. She further explained that serving non-Muslim communities is not an exception to MARADECA’s work, but a reflection of its core values — inclusivity, equity, and the principle of “Do No Harm.” For her, genuine service means responding where help is needed most, without discrimination.
“We are truly grateful that we were chosen. In fact, you were the very first organization able to enter Barangay Cabagdalan and bring help to our people. This barangay is one of the least served and hardest to reach because the main bridge leading into our community was destroyed. We initially thought that you would only help your fellow Muslims and the Muslim community, but you showed us that your assistance is open to everyone, regardless of religion. We truly admire MARADECA and Give to the World for your dedication and determination to assist us despite the challenges. We salute your commitment to helping our community.”—Municipal Mayor of Balamban, Hon. Amos Cabahug
By extending assistance to isolated and less-served severely affected areas, it once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to humanitarian service. The organization, which has consistently responded to every disaster with compassion and efficiency, helped ease the burden carried by families after Typhoon Tino. The relief operation not only addressed urgent needs but also reinforced the resilience and hope of communities striving to rebuild their lives.