Even while northern Cebu continues its recovery from last month’s devastating earthquake, the province and Cebu City are reaching out to assist Davao Oriental, which suffered a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Manay on October 10.
The effort demonstrates Cebu’s commitment to supporting fellow Filipinos despite its own challenges.
The Cebu Provincial Board approved P5 million in financial assistance to Davao Oriental to aid in disaster response and rehabilitation.
The resolution, certified urgent by Governor Pamela Baricuatro and passed by the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, was described by Vice Governor Glenn Soco as “a gesture of compassion and solidarity” toward fellow Filipinos.
Soco highlighted that the aid reciprocates support Davao Oriental extended to Cebu following the September 30 quake, which left northern Cebu reeling from widespread damage and displacement.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that over half a million people in Davao Oriental have been affected by the earthquake.
Specifically, 520,185 individuals, or 131,827 families, have been displaced or impacted. Of these, 1,999 families (8,676 people) are staying in 18 evacuation centers, while 52 families (192 people) are being assisted elsewhere.
The council confirmed eight fatalities and 403 injured persons. Infrastructure damage is significant, with 37 road sections and nine bridges affected, further complicating relief operations.
Cebu City has been actively organizing donations to support disaster-affected communities.
Mayor Nestor Archival pledged to match all monetary contributions, effectively doubling the total aid collected.
As of Monday morning, October 13, the ongoing donation drive for Davao Oriental had already gathered P116,115 in cash and an equal amount in goods.
Archival emphasized that these donations, combined with the city’s matching pledge, will help ensure that the province receives the maximum possible assistance.
The city previously organized donations for northern Cebu following the September 30 earthquake, raising P3,733,663.86—roughly equivalent to P7.4 million in goods—from municipalities including Bogo, Medellin, San Remigio, and Daanbantayan.
The relief goods collected were distributed to families who lost their homes or whose properties sustained heavy damage during the quake.
In addition to financial and material aid, Cebu City is sending a selection of local delicacies—danggit, dried mangoes, otap, chicharon, and other treats.
These items have become a talking point on social media, with many in Davao joking that if help comes from Cebu, it should include the beloved snacks.
Archival said these small items aim to provide a touch of comfort and familiarity to families coping with the effects of the earthquake.
“To the people of Mindanao, the people of Cebu City hear you. Help is on the way, with a little taste of Cebu’s joy,” Archival said, emphasizing that the assistance provides both relief and comfort.
While northern Cebu continues to deal with aftershocks and ongoing recovery, local authorities note that these challenges have not prevented the province and city from supporting other communities in need.
The recent magnitude 5.8 aftershock, recorded early Monday near Bogo City, caused minor injuries to 14 people but reinforced the need for continued vigilance and assistance for affected residents.
Through these initiatives, Cebu province and Cebu City demonstrate that even amid their own difficulties, they remain committed to paying it forward and supporting fellow Filipinos during times of disaster.
