ILIGAN CITY — Iliganons warmly welcomed Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday as she visited the city to extend assistance and moral support to families affected by flooding caused by Tropical Storm Basyang.
During her visit, Duterte met with displaced families, conveyed condolences to those who lost loved ones, and oversaw the distribution of relief assistance. She stressed that beyond providing essential goods such as rice and groceries, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) seeks to offer compassion and solidarity to communities facing hardship.
“Masaya kami nakapunta dito sa Iligan at nakapagbigay ng moral support more than the relief goods, the groceries, the rice that they received today. We are grateful to God that we were able to express our sympathies to those who are going through a difficult time,” Duterte said.
The OVP activated its Disaster Operations Center, along with its satellite offices, to deliver immediate disaster response services. Duterte also highlighted the OVP’s “Mag-Negosyo Ta Day” program, which provides initial or additional capital to small and micro-entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to help affected business owners—particularly those whose stores and inventories were damaged or washed away by floodwaters—restart their livelihoods.
The Vice President underscored the importance of unity and resilience in overcoming challenges.
“All that we do is for God, for the country, and for every Filipino family,” she said.
City slowly recovering
Iligan City Mayor Frederick W. Siao welcomed the Vice President’s visit, describing it as a significant morale boost for flood victims.
“Talagsa ra kaayo nga adunay national leaders nga mopili gyud muanhi ug personal aron tan-awon ug tabangan ang kahimtang sa katawhan dinhi sa Iligan—mao nga dako kaayo ni nga dungog ug kalipay sa among syudad,” Siao said.
Through the Office of the Vice President – Western Mindanao Satellite Office, relief operations were conducted at the Iligan City Public Plaza and the Laville Gym. The assistance benefited families whose homes were totally damaged in the most affected barangays: Abuno, Tipanoy, Ubaldo Laya, Tubod, Pala-o, Mahayahay, Poblacion, and Tambacan.
Families received jerrycans, sleeping kits, and rice—basic yet essential items meant to provide comfort and dignity as they begin recovery.
Siao said Duterte’s presence sent a strong message that Iligan is not alone in its recovery efforts.
“On behalf of our people, thank you for your compassion and support. Let us continue working together toward a stronger and better Iligan,” he said.
The mayor reported that the city is gradually recovering, though cleanup operations remain challenging due to thick mud, debris, and clogged drainage systems that slowed water flow in several areas.
He reiterated the city government’s request for dredging of the Iligan and Mandulog rivers, citing siltation as a contributing factor to flooding. Permit applications have been submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the city hopes for swift coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to expedite the process.
City officials continue to call for cooperation among residents, local leaders, and national agencies to accelerate recovery efforts and strengthen disaster preparedness measures.
Grateful Beneficiaries
Among the 1,672 beneficiaries, Rufino Mundo and Roselyn Dari of Barangay Tambacan expressed gratitude for the assistance and for the Vice President’s visit.
“Lipay mi, ma’am, kay nakadawat pud tawon mig mga ayuda. Malipayon mi kaayo nga makakita ni VP Sara,” they said emotionally.
