November 22, 2025
Tzu Chi volunteers return to Dingalan for relief distribution after Typhoon Uwan
By Thania Florendo
Following a rapid assessment, Tzu Chi volunteers returned to Dingalan, Aurora, on November 21 to deliver relief to families devastated by Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong), which made landfall over Aurora on November 9. Carrying supplies and compassion, the volunteers sought to ease the burden of hundreds still facing the long road to recovery.
To carry out the relief operations, Tzu Chi deployed 28 volunteers and 12 staff members who traveled five hours from the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, to Dingalan. The group was divided into two teams, each supported by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The first team, led by volunteer Johnny Kwok, distributed goods at the municipal gym for residents from Aplaya, Butas na Bato, Dikapanikian, and Paltic. At this site, representatives from 294 families each received relief goods. Two hundred thirty-three homes were assessed as partially damaged and 61 homes were deemed totally damaged.
Meanwhile, the second team, headed by Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng, conducted the distribution at the PAGCOR Building in Barangay Ibona, serving families from Barangays Ibona, Matawe, and Umiray. Representatives from 328 families each received relief, including 246 households with partial damage homes and 82 households with irreparable homes.
Residents arrived early, many still showing the exhaustion of sleepless nights and the worry of rebuilding their homes and livelihoods from the ruins. Others came from temporary shelters, saddled with the weight of starting over after losing everything.
Each household received 25 kg of rice, sleeping necessities such as mats and blankets, kitchen essentials including plates, cups, and utensils, clothing, hygiene kits, buckets, and eco-friendly bags. Families whose homes were totally damaged also received cash assistance, providing immediate support to those who lost both their homes and sources of income. For many, this aid was a reassuring reminder that they are not alone in their recovery.
Dingalan, Aurora, Mayor Aurora Taay expressed gratitude for the timely support from Tzu Chi Foundation.
"It is a great blessing for the town of Dingalan to receive assistance from the Tzu Chi Foundation, as they have helped our community before. This support eases the sadness and worry of our affected residents—especially food assistance and financial aid that can help them rebuild homes damaged by Typhoon Uwan," she said.
Among the beneficiaries was Jackilyn Ariate, 32, from Barangay Matawe, who shared how life has changed since the storm surge.
"We lost our home and our boat. For now, we are staying in a makeshift tent my husband built from collected wood. It was heartbreaking to watch the waves destroy our house, but at least our family is safe. We are so grateful to Tzu Chi Foundation—the volunteers traveled hours to reach us and have never left our side. The cash assistance will help us build a stronger foundation for our home so this won’t happen again," she said.
Josephine Perater, 53, a member of the Dumagat Indigenous People, recalled taking shelter in a small hut during the typhoon. Her family evacuated and stayed for two days, yet she remained worried as her livelihood of selling fruits and vegetables, along with their plants and banana trees, was destroyed.
"We have nothing left—the home that we built and our livelihood are gone—but even those of us from far-flung areas, like the Indigenous People, are now being reached by Tzu Chi," she said, expressing relief and gratitude for the cash assistance, which she plans to use to repair their home and pay the rent for the land they till.
Severina Musni, a beneficiary from Barangay Paltic, celebrated her 60th birthday by receiving relief from Tzu Chi Foundation.
"This gives me hope to start again," she said. Despite losing their home, she is grateful that her family of nine is safe and supported. "Even without a birthday celebration, receiving relief and cash assistance is a big blessing."
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng, who led the volunteers, emphasized the importance of returning promptly after assessments.
"We expected our recipients to be happy receiving help, but the volunteers were even more moved, especially by Mayor Taay’s sincerity. I’ve learned so much from her leadership about the importance of discipline and dedication. Keeping the operation going was challenging, but I hope that one day we will be in a better and happier situation. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to extend help and reach those in need, regardless of the distance," she shared.
Local officials, including barangay captains and their teams, helped ensure an organized distribution reached everyone, including vulnerable residents such as senior citizens, solo parents, fisherfolk, and families with young children.
For many residents, the relief distribution offered a moment of comfort amid overwhelming loss. Beyond the material support, it was the presence of volunteers, their kindness, sincerity, and willingness to listen that brought solace to those still processing the trauma of the storm.
As Dingalan continues its recovery, Tzu Chi reaffirms its commitment to stand beside the community, helping families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. With every act of compassion, Tzu Chi volunteers remind the people of Dingalan that even when the tides have taken everything, humanity can always give back.
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Aerial view of the Dingalan Municipal Gym as residents begin to gather for the relief distribution.
Staff and resident volunteers work together to unload sacks of rice at the PAGCOR Hall ahead of the relief distribution.
Registration began early, with Tzu Chi volunteers patiently assisting each beneficiary.
Angelina Candor, 76, resident of Barangay Ibona, flashes a hopeful smile as she waits for her name to be called at the registration table.
Volunteers from Tzu Chi swiftly organize and prepare the relief goods for distribution.
Tzu Chi volunteer Loreto Balete helped unload and arrange sacks of rice in preparation for the relief distribution.
Tzu Chi volunteers carefully unpack slippers, readying them for distribution to residents of Ibona, Matawe, and Umiray.
Local barangay workers and members of the Philippine Army help carry donation items, most of which are made from eco-friendly materials.
Beneficiary Severina Musni (in red) celebrated her 60th birthday by receiving relief, grateful for the donation even without a birthday celebration.
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng addresses beneficiaries on the importance of giving and spreading good karma.
Dingalan Provincial Administrator Shierwin Taay speaks to residents about preparedness, preventive measures, and relocation initiatives.
Mayor Aurora Taay of Dingalan acknowledges and appreciates the steadfast help provided by the Tzu Chi Foundation.
Volunteers Wilson Hung (left) and Luis Diamante present the relief packages, which include sleeping necessities, kitchen essentials, and 25 kg of rice for each household.
Tzu Chi volunteers perform a sign language number, highlighting the message that we are one family and should help one another.
A resident joins the performance with visible joy and enthusiasm.
Tzu Chi volunteers lead a heartfelt prayer, offering strength and comfort to residents before the relief efforts begin.
Residents offer sincere prayers for relief from the continuous typhoons, and express gratitude for Tzu Chi’s prompt assistance.
Coin cans were passed among beneficiaries to encourage giving back, symbolizing the cycle of compassion.
Coin cans were passed among beneficiaries to encourage giving back, symbolizing the cycle of compassion.
Excited residents wave their stubs in anticipation of claiming the distributed relief goods.
Residents lined up with hope, using buckets to receive the remaining items from the donation.
Barangay residents from Aplaya, Butas na Bato, Dikapanikian, and Paltic happily accept relief goods from Tzu Chi.
Residents from barangays Ibona, Matawe, and Umiray pose with their thumbs up, grateful and happy for the assistance they received.
A resident steps out of the distribution center, loaded with a sack of rice and groceries.
Jackilyn Ariate of Barangay Matawe receives kitchen essentials from Tzu Chi, a big relief, as her home was completely destroyed.
Josephine Perater, 53, from Sitio Iyapit, Umiray, Dingalan (with child), waits for her turn to receive assistance. She is a member of the Dumagat Indigenous People.
Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Wilson Hung (left) hands cash assistance to beneficiary Alfred Danao.
Tzu Chi volunteer Elvira Chua (left) bows as she hands financial assistance to a resident whose house was destroyed, while Tzu Chi volunteer Mary Ann Lu (far right) looks on.
Residents assist each other in loading groceries onto a motorcycle, smiles evident on their faces as they go home.
Tzu Chi volunteers pose together with members of the Philippine Army, showcasing teamwork in safety during the relief operations.
Tzu Chi volunteers happily conclude the relief operation in Dingalan, Aurora. They hope their next visit will be for a joyful occasion.