NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — The fury of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) has left a trail of devastation across the farmlands and communities of Negros Occidental, crippling the province’s agriculture sector and displacing thousands of families.
According to data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, more than 900 hectares of farmland across 13 local government units (LGUs) were destroyed, affecting over 1,100 farmers. The total agricultural losses have now climbed to over ₱35 million.
In La Carlota City, every barangay was inundated. Floodwaters swallowed homes and crops alike, leaving residents desperate for food, water, clothing, and other essentials.
“Mr. President, tulungan niyo rin kami sa Negros. Walang-wala kami ngayon. Huwag niyo kaming pabayaan,” pleaded Emma Medina, one of the evacuees. “Walang natira — damit lang na isang piraso.”
Many families said they fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs, choosing to save children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities over their belongings.
“Grabe talaga ang dasal ko nang time na ‘yan,” shared Luisa Sacudit, her voice trembling. “Hinalikan ko na lang ang anak ko kasi baka ‘yun na ‘yung huling halik ko sa kanya.”
Adding to the heartbreak, some survivors faced theft in the aftermath.
“Ninakawan pa ako,” said Albie Jainer, who lost his home. “May mga senior citizen at bata dito. Kung wala kang pera, hindi ka makakakain.”
The La Carlota City LGU admitted challenges in delivering relief goods due to impassable roads and ongoing clearing operations, but assured residents that assistance is on the way.
“Our City Engineering Office is double-timing,” said Atty. Jose Fernando Cuenca, spokesperson for the LGU. “We’re doing everything to bring food and water. We just ask for patience — it’s very hard to enter some areas right now.”
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is coordinating with LGUs to speed up relief efforts.
“Nag-deploy na rin kami ng water filtration truck,” said Brylle Larry Sañor, PDRRMO spokesperson. “Maraming nag-request ng tubig, at si PSWDO naman ay nagtutulong sa food and non-food distribution.”
As of this writing, 49 casualties have been confirmed, with over 50 individuals still missing as search and retrieval operations continue.
Across Negros Occidental, heartbreak and resilience intertwine — families grieving, farmers starting over, and communities holding on to hope that help and healing will soon arrive.
