Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has placed the province’s disaster response units on alert and ordered preparations for possible assistance to communities affected by the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani on Monday morning, June 8.
In a statement issued hours after the earthquake, Baricuatro directed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to closely monitor developments and coordinate with local disaster management offices across Cebu while assessing how the province could support affected areas in Mindanao.
The governor said Cebu’s disaster management team had also been instructed to establish contact with authorities in General Santos City and other affected localities to determine what assistance may be needed as damage assessments continue.
“I have also instructed our PDRRMO to reach out to the disaster management authorities in General Santos City and other affected areas to determine how the Province of Cebu may assist should help be needed,” Baricuatro said.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m. off the coast of Sarangani, triggering tsunami warnings and precautionary evacuations in several coastal provinces across Mindanao.
Authorities ordered residents in vulnerable coastal communities to move to higher ground as emergency response operations were activated.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed national agencies to coordinate relief efforts, preposition supplies, and prepare evacuation centers, while the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and other government agencies placed response teams on standby.
Initial reports showed structural damage to several buildings in General Santos City and nearby areas.
Authorities also reported cracks in government facilities and damage to some schools and commercial establishments, although no fatalities were immediately confirmed.
Despite the absence of significant reported effects in Cebu, Baricuatro urged residents to remain cautious and follow official advisories as aftershocks remain possible.
“While there are no reports of significant effects in Cebu at this time, I encourage all Cebuanos to remain vigilant, stay informed through official advisories, and be prepared for possible aftershocks,” she said.
Baricuatro also expressed solidarity with communities affected by the earthquake, noting that Cebu understands the challenges faced by disaster-hit areas due to its own experiences with major earthquakes.
“In times like these, we are reminded that Filipinos are strongest when we stand together. Cebu stands ready to help our brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” the governor said.
Provincial officials said Cebu’s disaster response mechanisms remain on standby as authorities in Mindanao continue assessing the extent of damage and monitoring coastal areas following the tsunami warning.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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