Veteran Filipino singer-actress, and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon Kuh Ledesma traveled to several typhoon‑ravaged communities in Cebu, delivering relief goods and messages of spiritual comfort to residents struggling to recover from recent storms. Her outreach comes as Cebuanos continue to grapple with flooding, property damage, and displacement following Typhoon Tino (its international name is Kalmaegi), and with warnings of the approaching Typhoon Uwan.
Ledesma, known internationally for her decades-long career in music, visited hard-hit areas including Ilaya and Taytay in Danao, Umapad and Cotcot in Liloan, as well as several schools such as Maguikat National High School, Don Bosco, and Jubay Integrated School. Each visit was coordinated with local church pastors or barangay officials to ensure aid reached those most affected.
“It’s my ministry. I really go to different places to share the Word of God, (and) more importantly, (the message of) salvation — kaligtasan,” Ledesma said in a virtual chat. She added that she also participates in prison ministries, reflecting her long-standing commitment to helping marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Each visit combined a brief talk with the distribution of relief goods. Ledesma recited Bible verses such as “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… not by works,” emphasizing hope, faith, and healing for residents who had lost homes or livelihoods. She said many attendees listened intently, with some moved to tears as they absorbed the spiritual encouragement along with the tangible support.
Reflecting on her calling, Ledesma recalled that shortly after becoming a Christian, she was asked, “So, what is your ministry?” At first uncertain, she later realized that her mission is “sharing the love of Christ, the gift of salvation,” a guiding principle that has shaped her humanitarian work alongside her music career.
While better known for her music, Ledesma has increasingly used her public platform to combine entertainment with ministry and community outreach. She said the typhoon relief effort is part of her broader advocacy to support communities in crisis and bring hope to those who feel vulnerable and overlooked.
Ledesma said she hopes to return to Cebu in about two weeks, and may extend her outreach efforts to nearby areas such as Bacolod. She encouraged communities to rely on both faith and solidarity, noting that spiritual strength combined with mutual support can help them rebuild their lives after disaster.
For many Cebuanos still recovering from the storms, Ledesma’s visit offered more than relief goods. It brought a sense of hope, unity, and reassurance that despite the devastation, compassion, faith, and community can help them overcome adversity. Her visit underscores the role of artists and public figures in providing not only entertainment but also humanitarian and spiritual support in times of crisis.
