The Cebu Provincial Government has approved the release of P10 million in calamity assistance to General Santos City following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani Province on Monday morning.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Governor Pamela Baricuatro to extend the financial aid during its 17th regular session, just hours after the powerful quake at 7:37 a.m., citing the urgent need to support relief and recovery operations in affected communities.
The resolution, authored by Board Member Andrei Duterte, was approved without objection.
Earlier in the day, Baricuatro formally requested authority from the provincial board through a letter addressed to Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, stressing the importance of solidarity among local government units during disasters.
“The Province of Cebu has consistently upheld the spirit of solidarity and mutual aid among local government units, especially during disasters and crises,” Baricuatro said in her letter.
She added that the assistance is intended to help address immediate humanitarian needs in quake-hit areas and support ongoing response operations.
During the session, Duterte said General Santos City was prioritized for immediate assistance while the province continues consultations and assessments for other affected areas.
He also expressed hope that similar aid measures for other local government units impacted by the earthquake would be approved in succeeding sessions.
Even before the resolution was passed, Baricuatro directed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to coordinate with disaster authorities in General Santos City and other affected areas to assess further assistance needs.
“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.
She reaffirmed Cebu’s readiness to extend support, recalling the importance of solidarity during disasters.
“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,” she said.
The move comes as local government units across the country respond to the earthquake, which triggered tsunami warnings, strong aftershocks, and reported damage in parts of Mindanao.
Cebu’s assistance also comes less than a year after the province itself received aid from various LGUs, including in Mindanao, following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City on Sept. 30, 2025, which left 76 people dead and caused widespread destruction across the province.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
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