March 25, 2026
Tzu Chi extends aid to 7,648 families in Iligan City after Typhoon Basyang
By Nicole Fetalcorin
Through every storm, there are those who choose to be a light for others. True to its mission of compassion, the Tzu Chi Foundation became that light for families in Lanao, Iligan City, devastated by Typhoon Basyang (Penha). The typhoon, which made landfall on February 5, brought torrential rains and strong winds that triggered widespread flooding.
On March 21 and 22, Tzu Chi Philippines extended assistance to 7,648 families, each receiving grocery gift checks worth P1,200 to cover food supplies and other necessities. For many survivors, this was more than financial aid—it was a lifeline, a gesture of solidarity that reminded them they were not alone in their suffering.
This mission was made possible through the collective efforts of 16 Tzu Chi volunteers, six staff members, social work students from Iligan Medical Center College, and the local government unit. Their unity embodied the spirit of “one heart,” proving that compassion can cross distances and bring hope where despair has taken root.
As disasters come in the most unexpected times, the least powerful are the most vulnerable. Beneficiaries narrated painful memories of the typhoon, and highlighted the hope Tzu Chi gave in this difficult time.
“We just moved to the second floor of our house. I prioritized moving my children first. Our belongings are all gone,” said Hasmin Undaya, a dried fish vendor from Barangay Tambacan. She lined up as early as 3 a.m. on the second day of the relief distribution and shared that her grocery gift check would go toward her children’s needs.
Despite the hardship, she spoke with courage: “It’s really hard, but little by little, we will recover. Thank you to those with kind hearts who helped us. Thank you very much, especially to the Tzu Chi Foundation.”
For 78-year-old Tadni Acampong, also from Barangay Tambacan, survival itself was a miracle: “My house was swept away by the flood. The only thing I saved was myself and my family. All our things were gone. Tzu Chi helped us fast, it helps people around the world.” His words carried both sorrow and gratitude, a reminder of how fragile life can be and how powerful compassion is when extended in times of need.
The relief mission also highlighted the generosity of local institutions. Lanao Chung Hua School opened its doors as the venue for the distribution, providing a safe and organized space for families to receive aid. The school’s principal, Elizabeth David, expressed gratitude for being part of the effort: “It is our pleasure that you have chosen our school to host this distribution. In our own little way, we are happy to contribute, not through material things, but by lending our facilities and workforce to support the mission.”
Iligan City Vice Mayor Ernest Oliver Uy echoed this gratitude: “Thank you so much to the Tzu Chi Foundation. Every time there’s a disaster, we know they’re here to help. Tzu Chi is really helping a lot, and they gave a lot.”
For the volunteers themselves, the mission was not only about giving aid but also about sharing hope. Tzu Chi Malaysia volunteer Anderson Leong said the mission was a personal milestone—it’s his first experience joining a Tzu Chi relief operation in the Philippines.
“It really helped the needs of the people. This financial aid is very important. We are grateful for the support from Iligan Medical College, the LGUs, and Lanao Chung Hua School. With everyone’s help, the event was successful,” he said, and added a heartfelt wish for the people of Iligan: “Be tough and resilient. The future will be better.”
Relief missions not only ease suffering but also uplift spirits—of those who received the help and those who gave it. . In moments of calamity, when loss feels overwhelming, compassion becomes the bridge to healing.
In Iligan City, amid the ruins left by Typhoon Basyang, Tzu Chi reminded families that even in the darkest storms, there is always a light shining beyond.