The Cebu Provincial Government defended its approval of P10 million in financial assistance for General Santos City following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani on June 8, 2026, stressing that the aid is part of established disaster response coordination with local government units.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the provincial assistance is based on beneficiary lists submitted by affected LGUs and is intended to augment, not replace, local response operations.
She also emphasized Cebu’s longstanding practice of extending support during disasters, noting that General Santos City previously extended assistance to Cebu after the 2025 earthquake in Bogo.
“We are just augmenting the local government unit. We are not the bida here, it is the LGU. We are here to support the LGU. So we get our list from the LGU,” Baricuatro added.
Baricuatro made the statement during a press briefing on Wednesday, June 10, amid questions on the province’s release of aid.
The provincial government earlier secured authorization from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the release of the P10 million assistance, with preparations ongoing for its turnover depending on field assessments and coordination with Mindanao authorities.
Officials said the assistance forms part of coordinated relief efforts as damage assessment and humanitarian operations continue in quake-affected areas.
The Office of Civil Defense reported that the earthquake has so far left 45 dead, 630 injured, and 17 missing, with figures still subject to validation as operations continue across affected regions.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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