On November 4, 2025, Typhoon Tino, internationally called Kalmaegi, brought heavy rainfall to Bohol. According to an Inquirer news report (https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/…/landcracks-landslides…), the rainfall loosened the soil in mountain and coastal areas, causing ground cracks and landslides in several parts of the province.
Photo Credit: Municipality of Jagna
Photo Credit: Municipality of Garcia Hernandez/Ric Obedencio
Among the affected towns, Jagna required immediate attention as some residents had evacuated due to dangerous ground cracks. For this reason, Tzu Chi prioritized Jagna in its relief operations, focusing on urgent assessment and support for the displaced families.
Upon hearing the situation, the Tzu Chi Foundation Bohol immediately began planning assistance for the affected families.
As part of the assessment and to observe the ground cracks, the condition of the affected homes, and the situation of the evacuees, the Tzu Chi staff and five volunteers, accompanied by Alma Rañises, the Barangay Councilor and the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (BDRRM) Action Officer of Barangay Cantuyoc, conducted an ocular survey in Purok 4, Barangay Cantuyoc, Jagna, Bohol. Alma Rañises reported that there were no casualties, but several houses had cracks, and some hollow blocks had fallen. She emphasized that the area remained unsafe, and residents were advised not to stay in their homes. During the survey, John Bryan, one of the affected residents, recounted, “On the night of November 4, I noticed a crack near the door, but I ignored it. By early morning, it had widened in the bedroom. By that time, the ground in our living room was no longer level and had started to shift. It felt like the ground was moving violently.” After seeing how dangerous the situation was, he and his neighbors evacuated immediately as advised by the Local Government Unit (LGU). Some stayed at their relatives’ homes, some with their employers, and others at the barangay hall.
On November 6, 2025, the Tzu Chi Commissioner and staff visited the Municipality of Jagna to coordinate with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Office. During the meeting, Alma Acera, the local social worker, and Bro. Joven Uy, Tzu Chi Commissioner and Deputy Coordinator of Tzu Chi Bohol, discussed the situation of families affected by the ground cracks in Barangay Cantuyoc caused by Typhoon Tino. The Tzu Chi Foundation Bohol immediately looked into possible ways to extend support to the affected families.
In response to the immediate need for basic supplies, the Tzu Chi Foundation Bohol prepared and distributed relief items on Tuesday afternoon, November 12, 2025, to 20 affected families at the Barangay Cantuyoc covered court in Jagna, Bohol. Each household received rice according to family size: 25 kilograms for families with 1–2 members, 50 kilograms for 3–4 members, and 75 kilograms for families with five members and above, totaling 900 kilograms. Bed foams were distributed in the same family-size arrangement: single-size for 1–2 members, one double-size for 3–4 members, and two double-sizes for families of five and above. Bed foam is provided to evacuees to ensure a safe and comfortable rest while they are displaced. Each family member also received a Tzu Chi thermal blanket, made from recycled PET bottles and eco-friendly, with a total of 60 blankets distributed, providing warmth and comfort to all. Other relief items included rice cookers, 20 liters of purified water, plates, glasses, spoons, forks, T-shirts, alcohol, and hygiene kits containing toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, laundry soap, and bath soap, along with buckets and pails.
Tzu Chi Commissioner, staff, youth, and a volunteer, together with the MSWD representative, a Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member, and a barangay councilor, were present in the relief operation and distribution. Arlene Pelayo, a Tzu Chi staff member, hosted the relief operation and introduced the Tzu Chi Foundation, explaining its purpose and commitment to helping those in need.
Before the relief operation, Mayor Mark Louie Monungolh of Jagna expressed his gratitude in his office for the support from the Tzu Chi Foundation. He said, “Thank you very much for your compassion and support.” He acknowledged the importance of the foundation’s immediate help for the affected families and even extended his warmest gratitude to the founder of Tzu Chi Foundation, Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
Hon. Bonifacio Virtudez Jr., an SB Member of Jagna, attended the event and thanked Tzu Chi for helping the evacuees. He assured residents that the LGU would continue to provide support. “The most important thing is that we are alive. Let’s not lose hope, as God is always with us,” he added. He reminded residents to stay patient and faithful amid challenges.
Bro. Joven Uy shared an encouraging message. He urged families to stay hopeful and safe. He emphasized that Tzu Chi’s humanitarian work is based on compassion, serving everyone regardless of their faith or situation. “Tzu Chi is here to help people of all ages and backgrounds. When we receive help, let us also learn to give back,” he noted. In an interview, Bro. Joven said the relief operation aimed to keep families safe and assist in rebuilding their lives. “The families are very thankful for this relief operation and the support from both Tzu Chi and the local government,” he said.
Liziel Sasutil, a Tzu Chi volunteer from Sagbayan, shared her service journey, which began after the 2013 Bohol earthquake. “It’s not about money; it’s about having a heart that’s willing to serve,” she stated. Liziel highlighted ongoing programs like the Happy Home Project for seniors and the Multi-Grain Program for undernourished children, which continue to bring hope to many.
From the affected community, Roberto B. Baja expressed his gratitude. “Our house was damaged, and the LGU won’t let us return because of the ground cracks. For now, we’re staying with my sister, while others are at the barangay hall. We really need help to rebuild. We’re so grateful to Tzu Chi, the first organization that came to help us, even though we live far up in the mountains. Thank you very much for your kindness.” Roberto and his family of three received relief items, including 50 kg of rice, 3 Tzu Chi thermal blankets, 1 double bed foam, 1 rice cooker, and some hygiene kits, enough to assist them in the meantime.
Another evacuee, Marlyn Daguplo, shared her experience and feelings. “When the disaster struck, my husband, child, and I evacuated to my in-laws’ house, while my sibling stayed with our aunt. Seeing cracks near our neighbor’s house was frightening. I also remembered my late mother, who passed away two years ago, and it made me emotional. It really struck me earlier. Losing one’s parents feels different. I remembered how our family used to work together and help each other at home. Thank you so much to Tzu Chi for the relief items like rice, bedding, and other essentials. We are truly grateful.”
As of November 17, 2025, the challenge of permanent relocation remains, leaving residents saddened and disheartened. Barangay Councilor Alma Rañises noted, “Some residents go back during the day to check on their belongings or dry rice, but in the afternoon, they return to the places where they are temporarily staying.” She added that those who choose to visit their homes must put their names in a logbook for monitoring purposes. The residents were saddened because they had worked for years to build their homes and were hoping for support to relocate safely. “Coordination among the LGU, MSWD, and National Housing Authority (NHA) is ongoing to identify relocation options and provide assistance to the affected families,” she added. Rañises explained that the ground cracks made the area unsafe for residents. The unstable ground could lead to house collapse or falling debris, especially during heavy rains. Because of these dangers, affected families must stay in safer locations until they can be relocated.
To this day, two families remain at the Cantuyoc Daycare Center, including married couple Viole and Edgardo Daguplo, after previously staying at the Barangay Hall. Viole shared, “The barangay officials allowed us to stay here temporarily. We’re still waiting for an update from them. We really feel sad and disappointed because we’re just waiting for someone to tell us where we can rebuild our home. It’s very upsetting that we cannot return to our area.” The couple expressed their gratitude to the Tzu Chi Foundation, saying they were very thankful for the help and sincerely happy that the foundation reached their barangay.
This relief operation highlights a shared message of gratitude and hope. More than the supplies given, the comfort, safety, and reassurance shown during difficult times were what truly mattered. It served as a reminder that kindness exists even in tough circumstances. The spirit of love continues through acts of generosity, unity, and care, reminding everyone that no one is alone during hardships.
