Cebu LGUs to send help to quake-hit Mindanao areas

Local

MORE local government units in Cebu have begun aligning their disaster response efforts to support communities in Mindanao that were affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani Province on Monday morning, June 8.

This follows the Cebu Provincial Government’s approval of a P10-million cash assistance package, with several highly urbanized cities subsequently moving to coordinate their own forms of aid.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano said the city government is preparing to extend financial assistance to General Santos City as part of its disaster response efforts.

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We are considering gyud to provide assistance to the people of Gensan,” Ouano said in an interview.

He said the city also considered sending an emergency response team but assessed that logistical challenges due to distance made financial aid a more practical option.

“Cash assistance lang usa kay maoy madali and mao dayon ang maggamit nila,” he added.

Ouano said the exact amount of assistance has not yet been finalized.

The Mandaue City Council has already passed a resolution expressing solidarity with affected communities and authorizing the local executive to extend assistance if needed.

Councilor Carlo Fortuna said this includes possible deployment of disaster response personnel if required through national or inter-LGU coordination.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said the city government remains on standby to extend immediate assistance while coordinating with disaster agencies to assess the situation in affected areas.

The city has activated five trained personnel who are ready for possible deployment as part of an Incident Management Team augmentation.

“As Oponganons, we stand in solidarity with our fellow Filipinos in Mindanao during this difficult time,” King-Chan said.

“We join everyone in prayer for their safety, strength, and swift recovery," she added.

In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival said the local government is closely monitoring the situation in Mindanao following the earthquake and maintaining coordination with disaster response agencies.

He said the city is also evaluating possible assistance that may be extended to affected areas, alongside continued emphasis on preparedness and coordinated response.

At the provincial level, the Cebu Provincial Board has already approved the release of P10 million in provincial funds to support relief and recovery operations in General Santos City following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.(MyTVCebu)