The province will require P19.23 billion to fully recover from the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30, 2025, officials said.
The amount covers rehabilitation and recovery efforts and does not yet include damages caused by Typhoon Tino.
The figures were presented during a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) meeting on January 30, focusing on the province’s Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and long-term rebuilding strategy.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the session together with Provincial DRRMO head Dennis Pastro and Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces.
Mayors from the most affected local government units attended, while others sent representatives.
National government agencies and provincial department heads also joined to ensure coordinated recovery efforts.
“This is why we are doing this — so that we can coordinate,” Baricuatro said, emphasizing the need to align provincial, local, and national government actions to fast-track rehabilitation.
According to the PDNA, total damages from the earthquake reached P9.24 billion, while economic losses were estimated at P47.74 billion, reflecting widespread disruptions to livelihoods and services.
The social sector suffered the heaviest blow, with P4.05 billion in damages and P10.13 billion needed for recovery. This includes housing, schools, health facilities, and social services.
Infrastructure, covering roads, bridges, ports, and utilities, recorded P1.98 billion in damages, with P2.83 billion required for rehabilitation.
The productive sector — including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and trade — incurred P9.52 billion in losses, affecting local livelihoods. Recovery for these sectors is projected to cost P1.98 billion.
Under the province’s “Kumbati Cebu” program, officials are implementing short-term and long-term recovery plans.
Immediate priorities include restoring water supply, providing psychosocial support, setting up temporary learning spaces, and offering livelihood aid.
Over the next one to three years, efforts will focus on rebuilding public infrastructure, repairing schools, restoring homes, and reviving economic activity.
The recovery plan follows a “Build Back Better and Smarter” approach, using hazard maps and disaster-resilient standards to reduce risks from future disasters.
“The success of the recovery and rehabilitation depends on coordinated implementation and timely mobilization of resources from multiple agencies,” Pastro said. (SBA)
Photo from Jacq Hernandez
