CEBU CITY — The Province of Cebu has extended a total of ₱35 million in financial assistance and dispatched truckloads of relief goods to communities devastated by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8. The swift response, approved unanimously by the Cebu Provincial Board, demonstrates a powerful spirit of bayanihan between Visayan and Mindanaoan communities.
On June 15, 2026, the board passed four separate resolutions granting ₱25 million to the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur. This followed an earlier ₱10‑million allocation for General Santos City. Board Member Andrei Duterte authored the resolutions, which were approved en masse.
A Swift and Compassionate Response
Governor Pamela Baricuatro formally requested the aid to help areas reeling from one of the strongest quakes in decades. "The additional funds shall be charged against the Assistance to Local Government Units appropriation," she stated. Cebu acted within hours of the disaster, reflecting a deep commitment to helping neighbors in crisis.
Beyond cash, Cebu dispatched two wing‑van trucks carrying humanitarian supplies to Sarangani on June 12. The shipment included 500 family food packs, 500 hygiene kits, 500 sleeping kits, 500 boxes of bottled water, and 432 boxes of ready‑to‑eat meals. A water truck was also deployed to address severe water shortages.
Personnel on the Ground for Direct Support
Personnel from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office traveled to General Santos City and Sarangani to assist in relief operations. Retired Col. Dennis Pastor led the team, ensuring aid reached those who needed it most. Their presence provided both logistical support and moral encouragement.
Sarangani Governor Rogelio Pac quiao acknowledged the assistance with gratitude. He thanked Governor Baricuatro and Provincial Social Welfare Officer Marirose Lopez for facilitating the delivery. The relief goods were formally turned over at the Capitol Compound in Alabel.
Returning Kindness in a Time of Need
Cebu's generosity also carries a personal dimension. Governor Baricuatro noted that the province decided to reciprocate the support General Santos City had extended to Cebu after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30, 2025. That disaster killed 76 people and damaged thousands of structures.
The earthquake death toll has risen to 61, with over 1,200 injured and thousands of families displaced. Homes, schools, roads, and bridges sustained significant damage. Cebu's timely assistance helps these communities take the first steps toward recovery and rebuilding.
A Unified Front Against Calamity
The provincial board's unanimous vote underscores a collective commitment to humanitarian support. Cebu's aid package—combining cash, goods, and personnel—provides immediate relief while empowering local officials to address urgent needs flexibly. It exemplifies how local government units can serve as first responders beyond their borders.
As recovery efforts continue across Mindanao, Cebu's contributions serve as a beacon of hope. The Visayan island's actions remind the nation that in the face of natural disaster, solidarity transcends geography. Cebu has not only sent aid but also the message that no community is alone in its darkest hour.
