VSU rolls out free meals for evacuated dorm students amid heavy rains

Evacuated students at Visayas State University (VSU) received free meals as heavy rains continue to affect parts of Baybay City. 

There were 122 students who were moved out of the Molave, Mabolo, Mariposa, Mulberry, Kanlaon, and Sampaguita dormitories and are temporarily staying at the ADE Building, ECO-FARMI, and the Plant Science Building.

Hot meals and snacks are being distributed by the university to help students cope with the sudden displacement. Food assistance started shortly after the preemptive evacuation was carried out early in the morning, following sustained rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Tropical Depression Crising.

The University’s Crisis Management Committee, together with the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (OVPSAS), and Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance (OVPAF) made the call to move students out of the upper campus dormitories as a precautionary step.

The affected students, many of whom left their belongings behind during the quick transfer, were met with warm meals and safe shelter as they arrived at the upper campus evacuation areas.

“We just wanted to make sure they had something warm to eat. Most of them had no time to prepare anything,” VPSAS Dr. Aleli A. Villocino said.

Meal distribution will continue until conditions improve. The university has also shifted to a Work-From-Home arrangement, with classes suspended across the VSU system. 

With Leyte placed under Orange Warning Level by PAGASA, the risk of flooding and landslides remains. For now, food, shelter, and close monitoring remain the university’s top priorities as it works to keep students safe and cared for during the ongoing rains.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action 

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