Cebu donates additional P25 million to Mindanao quake victims

Local

CEBU'S financial assistance to earthquake-hit Mindanao provinces has reached P35 million after the Provincial Board (PB) approved an additional P25 million aid during its regular session on June 15.

PB approved four resolutions authorizing Gov. Pamela Baricuatro to release P10 million to Sarangani and P5 million each to South Cotabato, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental.

The approval came after a formal request from Baricuatro to Vice Gov. Glenn Anthony Soco seeking the inclusion of additional areas as beneficiaries of the province’s calamity assistance.

In her letter, Baricuatro said: “in view of the devastating effects of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the southern portion of Mindanao on June 8, 2026, and recognizing the urgent need to support the relief and recovery efforts of the affected communities, we respectfully request the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to include additional areas as beneficiaries of the calamity assistance of the Province of Cebu.”

She also stated that the funds would be charged against the Assistance to Local Government Units (LGUs) appropriation under the Governor’s budget item in the approved 2026 Annual Budget.

PB Member Red Duterte authored the resolutions, which the board approved en masse.

A resolution approved by the board authorized Baricuatro to release P10 million to Sarangani Province. It cited the damage caused by the earthquake, including displacement of families and destruction of public infrastructure.

The resolution stated that Cebu extended assistance “in the spirit of camaraderie” and cited provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, including Section 16, which mandates LGUs to promote general welfare and allows the exercise of powers necessary for effective governance.

Earlier, local government units in Metro Cebu also extended support.

Mandaue City approved P1 million in financial assistance for General Santos City after its City Council authorized the release of funds for earthquake-affected communities.

Cebu City approved P5 million in financial assistance sourced from PAGCOR funds following a council resolution during a regular session.

The June 8 earthquake caused damage across Sarangani, South Cotabato, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported on Tuesday that 68 people have died, 1,339 have been injured, and 33 remain missing as validation of reports continues.

Authorities said thousands of families remain displaced as relief, rehabilitation, and infrastructure repair operations continue across affected areas.

Meanwhile, ground deformation has been observed in Sarangani and General Santos City following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said aerial and ground assessments showed landslides, tension cracks, road subsidence, and rockfalls in parts of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and General Santos City, including Glan, Malapatan, T’boli Road, and sections of the Sarangani–Davao Occidental Coastal Road.

He warned that areas with tension cracks may collapse, especially during heavy rains, and urged residents in affected zones to follow evacuation advisories from local government units.

Phivolcs also reported that the quake has generated 6,144 aftershocks as of Monday, with magnitudes ranging from 1.2 to 6.4, including 78 that were felt.(MyTVCebu)