Negros Occidental — November 15, 2025
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally traveled to Negros Occidental on Saturday to assess the needs of communities severely affected by Typhoon Tino and to inspect the widespread damage across the province.
One of his first inspection sites was the Jose Pepito Montilla Garcia Sr. National High School (JPMGS NHS) in Barangay 1, Moises Padilla, where most classrooms were inundated during the typhoon. During the visit, Moises Padilla District Supervisor Gideon Panganiban and School Principal Mary Grace Ynion became emotional as they recounted the ordeal faced by teachers and students. Both officials expressed deep gratitude for the President’s personal attention to their situation.
The school, which serves 1,257 students, has been forced to adopt alternative learning arrangements due to damaged facilities.
From the school, the President proceeded to Barangay Poblacion to meet residents who lost their homes and to evaluate the state of the damaged houses. He later visited La Castellana, where evacuees are temporarily staying at La Castellana Elementary School. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), 307 families—or 1,117 individuals—are currently sheltered in the facility.
President Marcos also inspected the Bungahin Steel Bridge in Barangay Robles, which collapsed at the height of Typhoon Tino, disrupting the connection between upland barangays and the town proper.
After completing the site visits, the President held a situation briefing at the La Castellana Municipal Hall with Cabinet officials from the Departments of Energy, Education, Health, Agriculture, Human Settlements, and Social Welfare, alongside local government leaders. Discussions focused on immediate rehabilitation efforts and long-term recovery plans.
To support the province, President Marcos allocated PHP 95 million for recovery and rehabilitation. Of this amount, PHP 50 million was designated for the Negros Occidental provincial government, while La Carlota City, La Castellana, and Moises Padilla will each receive PHP 10 million. Meanwhile, Binalbagan, Isabela, and Hinigaran will each receive PHP 5 million.
The President emphasized the government’s commitment to assisting affected communities and ensuring swift restoration of essential services.