KORONADAL CITY — In response to the severe devastation caused by typhoon “Tino” in the Visayas region, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has directed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to deliver immediate relief assistance to the hard-hit province of Cebu.

The operation, led by PDRRMO Chief Rolly Doane Aquino, involves coordinating with national and local agencies to ensure the swift deployment of personnel, supplies and relief goods to affected communities.

According to the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), typhoon “Tino” has claimed 111 lives, left hundreds injured, and affected more than 700,000 people across Eastern and Central Visayas, including Cebu, Bohol and Leyte.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour, the typhoon caused widespread flooding, landslides, destruction of homes and power outages.

Tamayo said that the assistance to Cebu reflects South Cotabato’s compassion and solidarity, stressing that the province stands ready to help fellow Filipinos in times of crisis.

South Cotabato was also one of the first provinces to respond to the 6.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Cebu recently, demonstrating a continued commitment to nationwide disaster response.

PDRRMO assured residents that while the relief team is deployed, the province remains adequately prepared to address any potential emergencies within South Cotabato.

Tamayo also stressed that this initiative is part of his administration’s mission to uphold the spirit of bayanihan (community cooperation) and deliver “genuine and effective public service” not only for South Cotabateños but for all Filipinos in need.