Updated: Nov. 6, 2025 | 4:46 p.m.
Caritas Philippines has called for national solidarity and urgent action as Typhoon Kalmaegi (local name Tino) left more than 140 people dead and over a hundred missing across the Visayas and Mindanao.
“Our readiness to help and our solidarity define who we are as a people,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian and development arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
“Let us help one another — volunteer, share what we can, and pray for those affected,” the prelate added.
The national Caritas network said it is coordinating emergency responses with diocesan social action centers and volunteers in the hardest-hit provinces, including Cebu and Negros.
The organization urged parishes, civil society groups, and people’s organizations to “join hands in community work and extend relief assistance” to displaced families.
“When we stand together — when we pray, give, and serve together — we become instruments of God’s mercy,” Bishop Bagaforo said. “Gold is tested by fire, and our faith is refined through trials. May this be a time of renewed commitment to love and service.”
State of calamity declared
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has placed the Philippines under a state of national calamity following the widespread destruction caused by the typhoon.
“Because of the scope of, shall we say, problem areas that have been hit by Tino and will be hit by (Typhoon) Uwan, there’s a proposal by the [national disaster agency] which I approve — that we will declare a national calamity,” Marcos said after a situation briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.
The declaration allows the government to mobilize emergency funds, impose price controls on basic goods, and hasten recovery operations across affected regions.
The president said “almost 10 regions” have been impacted and warned that “10 to 12 regions” could still be affected by Uwan, which is forecast to enter the country this weekend and may intensify into a super typhoon.
‘Unprecedented’ floods in Cebu
Cebu province suffered some of the worst flooding in its history, with waters described by officials as “unprecedented” sweeping through towns and cities.
Cars, shipping containers, and homes were washed away as rivers overflowed and torrential rain continued for hours.
The national disaster agency confirmed 114 deaths nationwide, while Cebu authorities reported at least 28 more. In Liloan town alone, 35 bodies have been recovered from submerged communities.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro called the situation “devastating” and warned that full recovery could take months.
On Negros Island, at least 30 people were killed when torrential rain triggered volcanic mudflows from Mount Kanlaon.
“Eruptions of Kanlaon volcano since last year deposited volcanic material on its upper sections. When the rain fell, those deposits rumbled down onto the villages,” said Police Lieutenant Stephen Polinar.
The national tally also includes six soldiers who died when a military helicopter crashed while delivering relief aid.
Church mobilizes for relief
In Cebu, Archbishop Alberto Uy urged Catholics to respond in “concrete ways” to help affected families.
“I encourage all parishes, through their Parish Caritas, to organize acts of charity and compassion,” he said. “Please open your closets and look for clean and presentable clothes, towels, or blankets that you can donate to the victims of the storm.”
Cebu Caritas has opened a relief center at the Pope John XXIII College Seminary Gym in Mabolo, Cebu City, and is accepting cash donations through Metrobank account 308-7308700689. Donors may send deposit slips to [email protected].
“Let us continue to give hope to our struggling brothers and sisters,” Archbishop Uy added, calling for prayers for local leaders and flood-hit communities.
Government response and next threat
Marcos said relief operations are “in full swing” in the Visayas, with military, police, and government teams delivering food, clearing roads, and restoring power lines.
“We will not leave Cebu until everything is in place… but we will do as much as we can to anticipate,” he said.
He expressed concern over the rising number of casualties and said validation of deaths and damage is ongoing.
Meanwhile, weather authorities warned that Uwan — the 21st tropical cyclone to enter the Philippines this year — could strengthen into a super typhoon as it approaches Northern Luzon.
As of Thursday morning, Kalmaegi had moved westward toward Vietnam, carrying sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 190 kph.
Caritas Philippines urged continued prayer for safety and strength for affected families and called on citizens to extend help “through donations, volunteer work, or community outreach.”
