VSU activates full disaster response ahead of typhoon #TinoPH landfall

With Typhoon “Tino” expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding across Leyte and nearby provinces within the next 24 to 48 hours, the Visayas State University (VSU) has moved swiftly to safeguard its students, employees, and nearby communities.

As of Saturday evening, November 1, 2025, the VSU-Crisis Management Committee (VSU-CMC), together with the University Disaster Resilience and Management (UDRM) Office, has activated its full response protocol and issued a suspension of classes and work in all university offices until November 5, 2025.

The Incident Management Team has been activated at the VSU Hospital, which now serves as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC coordinates real-time reports, emergency transport, and relief operations in coordination with local authorities.

Evacuation and Relief Operations

A total of 185 students, including those staying in dormitories and off-campus boarding houses, have been safely evacuated to designated shelters within the university. 280 families from nearby barangays, including Guadalupe, Pangasugan, and Patag, including the families of the university employees, were also accommodated on campus as part of the university’s evacuation efforts.

Meanwhile, around 280 families from nearby barangays in Guadalupe, Pangasugan, and Patag, along with families of university employees, have also been accommodated on campus as part of the university’s evacuation and safety operations.

These include the following facilities in the upper campus: RDE Building, Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Science (FFES), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science Building (for residents from nearby barangays), and the Department of Teacher Education (DTE). Tuyok and other transport vehicles were deployed to assist evacuees.

Relief assistance is being distributed through the joint efforts of the Baybay City Local Government Unit, led by Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari, and the VSU Administration.

Campus Safety Measures

Ahead of the typhoon’s landfall, VSU personnel have carried out campus-wide tree pruning and clearing operations to minimize risks of falling branches and debris, through the Tree Management Committee.

The UDRM and General Services Office (GENSO) teams are currently securing drainage systems, power lines, and other critical facilities to minimize potential damage as the typhoon intensifies. 

Meanwhile, the University Information and Communications Technology Services (UICTS) and the Management Information System (MIS) Office are working to boost internet connectivity in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and designated evacuation sites to support communication and coordination efforts.

Pre-Evacuation and Safety Reminders

To all students, faculty, staff, and residents, as well as nearby barangays, the University advises the following safety measures:

Before Evacuation:

1. Follow official announcements from the VSU Facebook page, website, and the CMC or UDRM Office.
2. Secure personal belongings and unplug electrical devices before leaving dorms or offices.
3. Prepare a “Go Bag” containing essentials such as food, water, flashlight, extra clothes, first-aid kit, and personal medicines.

During the Typhoon:

1. Stay inside designated safe areas until the official clearance is issued by the VSU-CMC, UDRM, or local authorities.
2. Avoid staying near windows, glass doors, or large trees.
3. Keep communication lines open for emergency coordination.

After the Typhoon:

1. Wait for the official “all-clear” before returning to dormitories, offices, or residences.
2. Report any structural damage, electrical hazards, or fallen trees immediately.
3. Participate in clean-up activities only after a safety inspection has been completed.

According to the 2:00 PM bulletin from DOST-PAGASA, Typhoon #TinoPH (Kalmaegi) continues to move westward over the Philippine Sea while maintaining its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h, gusts of up to 150 km/h, and moving at a speed of 25 km/h.

The central and southern parts of Leyte, including Baybay City, as well as Southern Leyte and nearby provinces, are now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3, which indicates the presence of storm-force winds that may pose moderate to significant threats to life and property.

The University continues to coordinate closely with the Baybay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) and regional agencies for monitoring, rescue readiness, and relief deployment.

VSU urges everyone to remain alert, calm, and cooperative throughout this weather event. Further advisories and real-time updates will be posted on VSU’s official social media channels and website.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and; SDG 13: Climate Action.

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