Cebu City hands P8.7 million aid to quake-hit LGUs

CEBU, Philippines — Almost a year after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30, 2025, the Cebu City government has released financial assistance amounting to P8.73 million to affected local government units.

The distribution, held the other day, came just 20 days before the first anniversary of the disaster, with many communities still working to rebuild.

Mayor Nestor Archival, together with Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, led the turnover of funds to six municipalities: Daanbantayan, San Remigio, Medellin, Sogod, Catmon, and Tabuelan.

The allocations were based on the extent of damage reported, with Daanbantayan and San Remigio each receiving P1.39 million; Medellin, P1.30 million; Sogod, P960,320; and Catmon and Tabuelan, P436,509 each.

Bogo City, Borbon, and Tabogon, which were not represented at the ceremony, are set to receive their shares later–P1.57 million for Bogo and P611,112 each for Borbon and Tabogon.

The assistance fund was sourced from P4.36 million in donations raised by private individuals, groups, and organizations, which the city government matched peso-for-peso, fulfilling its pledge to double the amount collected.

“Kini nga support nahimo tungod sa atong panagtinabangay ug sa generosity sa atong mga donors. We promised to double the donations received, and we are fulfilling that commitment to bring more support to the affected communities,” Archival said.

The September 2025 earthquake, recorded at magnitude 6.9 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), caused widespread damage to homes, schools, and public infrastructure across northern Cebu.

Thousands were displaced, and rehabilitation efforts required sustained financial support from both the government and private sector.

Archival stressed that the aid is intended to help local governments address lingering needs in housing, infrastructure repair, and community recovery. (CEBU NEWS)