A city that sits thousands of kilometers away from the quake’s epicenter is preparing to send aid southward as Mindanao continues to reel from a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on June 8, 2026.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said the city government will seek approval from the City Council to extend cash assistance to local government units (LGUs) affected by the earthquake that hit Southern and Central Mindanao.
In an interview on June 15, 2026, King-Chan said the proposed assistance covers P1 million each for General Santos City, Davao City, and Sarangani.
She said the total allocation being prepared for the relief effort ranges from P3 million to ₱5 million, subject to City Council approval.
“We will give 1 million to the affected cities and towns. Maybe Sarangani, General Santos of course, and Davao pod,” King-Chan said.
Aside from the financial aid, King-Chan also pledged P50,000 through the Congressional Spouses Foundation under a separate initiative for earthquake victims.
She said the city’s response reflects its commitment to support affected communities during major disasters.
The mayor also confirmed that five All-Hazard Incident Management Team (AHIMT) personnel under the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) have been placed on standby for possible deployment to Southern Mindanao.
King-Chan said deployment will only proceed upon coordination and clearance from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
“Ang team na gi prepare always andam but dili lang ta magpataka og adto nga wala tay go signal sa OCD,” she said.
She added that the personnel remain ready for immediate deployment if officially requested.
The five responders have been on standby since June 8 and are equipped with emergency gear including first aid kits, tents, sleeping bags, foldable beds, portable power supplies, cooking equipment, and emergency ration packs.
City officials said Lapu-Lapu City remains on heightened alert while continuing to monitor developments and coordinate possible assistance to affected areas.
Photo courtesy of VCL
Comments