UAE Aid relief goods are distributed in Cebu, Philippines on November 11, 2025. NIXON JOJO OUANO DIZON

The UAE has sent humanitarian aid to victims of Typhoon Tino in the Philippines, extending its support to communities devastated by one of the deadliest storms to hit the Visayas region this year. Relief goods under the UAE Aid initiative were distributed to families in Mandaue City, Cebu, including the barangays of Opao, Umapad, and Tabok, according to reports on Tuesday (November 11). Photos of the relief drive showed local volunteers handing out food packs and essential supplies to affected residents. The initiative was led by the UAE Embassy in Manila as part of the Emirates’ ongoing humanitarian efforts in the Philippines.

Cebu among worst-hit as death toll climbs

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Typhoon Tino has so far claimed 232 lives nationwide, with Cebu suffering the highest number of fatalities at 150. Other affected provinces include Negros Occidental (42 deaths), Negros Oriental (21), Agusan del Sur (6), Capiz (3), Dinagat Island (2), Southern Leyte (2), Leyte (2), and one each in Antique, Bohol, Iloilo, and Guimaras. At least 112 individuals remain missing, including 57 in Cebu, 50 in Negros Occidental, and five in Negros Oriental. The storm also left 523 people injured, with 451 recorded in Cebu alone. The NDRRMC reported that over 4.1 million people across 7,695 barangays in eight regions have been affected by the typhoon. As of Tuesday morning, 61,728 families are still staying in 868 evacuation centers, while another 33,030 families are being aided outside these facilities. Typhoon Tino damaged 134,949 houses and completely destroyed 20,510 others, while agricultural losses were estimated at ₱157.9 million, and damage to infrastructure reached ₱179.6 million.

UAE’s continuing humanitarian commitment

The UAE’s humanitarian presence in the Philippines has grown over the years, especially during natural disasters. The country has previously extended aid following the recent earthquake that hit Cebu and the Visayas region. The latest relief initiative underscores the UAE’s message of solidarity and friendship with the Filipino people, a community that forms one of the largest expatriate groups in the emirates. “The UAE continues to stand by the Philippines in times of need,” the UAE Embassy said in a statement. “Our partnership goes beyond diplomacy — it’s rooted in compassion and shared humanity.” ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page