Hope Reaches Ground Zero as AFTA Aids Typhoon Tino Survivors in Cebu

A humanitarian relief mission led by AFTA President Rena Pedaria brought much-needed assistance to hundreds of disaster-affected residents in Barangay Cotcot, a barangay in Liloan town, Cebu, identified as ground zero in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino.

The outreach was spearheaded by the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA) through its Kaisang Palad Project, providing relief to 100 families and more than 200 children affected by severe flooding. The initiative mobilizes resources from the Filipino American community to extend humanitarian assistance to Filipinos facing calamities and emergencies.

AFTA partnered with Kalinangan Youth Foundation (KALFI), Inc. in distributing rice, canned goods, noodles, hygiene kits, school supplies, and water containers. To bring comfort and joy to young survivors, children were also treated to meals from Jollibee.

The relief operation received support from Cocoy Jumapao, whose coordination helped ensure that the distribution was orderly, safe, and efficiently managed, allowing families to receive assistance with dignity and care.

Volunteers and organizers witnessed firsthand the devastation left by the typhoon across parts of Liloan town. Vehicles remained stranded in muddy fields, damaged appliances and furniture lined sidewalks, and a broken dam and overflowing river stood as stark reminders of the floodwaters that swept through the community. Despite the destruction, residents welcomed volunteers with smiles, reflecting resilience as they continue rebuilding their homes and livelihoods one day at a time.

Organizers said the outreach was made possible through donations raised during AFTA’s Christmas gathering on December 5. They expressed gratitude to supporters and volunteers whose generosity helped bring relief, hope, and solidarity to families in Liloan town recovering from the typhoon.