ILIGAN CITY, Philippines — Families displaced and affected by the recent onslaught of Typhoon Basyang received relief assistance and words of encouragement on February 24, 2026, as Sara Z. Duterte personally visited evacuation sites and communities in Iligan City and several towns in Surigao del Sur.
The vice president first went to the Iligan City Public Plaza and the La Ville Gym in Barangay Tubod, where many residents have been temporarily staying after the storm damaged homes and disrupted livelihoods. During the visit, she met with families, listened to their experiences, and checked on their immediate needs following the disaster.
Relief packs were distributed through the Office of the Vice President Western Mindanao Satellite Office. The assistance included jerrycans, sleeping kits, and sacks of rice intended to help affected households begin recovery while staying in evacuation centers or rebuilding their homes.
Local officials and residents expressed gratitude for the visit, noting that the presence of national leadership provided reassurance to communities still coping with the aftermath of flooding, displacement, and storm-related damage.
Duterte also reminded residents to remain vigilant during extreme weather conditions and to follow advisories issued by authorities, particularly regarding evacuation and disaster preparedness. She emphasized the importance of preparing emergency “go bags” containing food, water, medicines, and other essentials that families may need during emergencies such as floods and landslides.
After concluding her visit in Iligan City, the vice president immediately traveled to Surigao del Sur to continue outreach efforts in storm-hit areas. She visited Barangay Nurcia in the municipality of Lanuza, Poblacion in the town of Cortes, and Barangay Maitum in Tandag City, where she again met with residents and assessed the situation on the ground.
Community members welcomed the visit despite the challenges they continue to face after the typhoon. Many families remain in recovery mode as they work to repair damaged homes and restore normal daily life.
Officials said the outreach aimed not only to provide immediate assistance but also to reinforce solidarity with communities affected by Typhoon Basyang. Duterte assured residents that they are not alone in rebuilding, encouraging them to stay calm, follow safety guidance, and remain strong as recovery efforts continue.
The visit underscored ongoing coordination between national and local governments as well as humanitarian responders working to support families affected by the recent disaster across parts of Mindanao.