Operation Damayan, The Freeman Foundation launch relief mission

CEBU, Philippines —  The heavy downpour that gushed over Cebu yesterday did not stop the men and women of two charitable entities from traveling to and distributing relief goods to the people of earthquake-hit communities in northern Cebu.

Volunteers of the Philippine Star’s Operation Damayan and The Freeman Foundation, despite the downpour and difficult road conditions, reached northern Cebu where they delivered relief packs to displaced families in Barangay Maharuhay of Medellin town and in Barangay Poblacion of Daanbantayan.

A total of 1,200 families—600 in Barangay Maharuhay (Medellin) and 600 in Barangay Poblacion (Daanbantayan)---each received relief packs containing rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, biscuits, blankets, towels, and six liters of water.

Dog food and snack bundles for children were also distributed, as kids patiently lined up for their share.

Operation Damayan, the humanitarian arm of The Philippine Star, has been carrying out relief missions for three decades, reaching communities affected by typhoons, disasters, and other crises.

Philippine Star Media Group president and CEO Miguel Belmonte reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to serve disaster-stricken Filipinos beyond immediate relief.

Belmonte noted that, aside from disaster response, the mission has expanded to building classrooms, helping the sick, and supporting various humanitarian efforts. “Basta kung saan tayo pwede makatulong, that’s how Operation Damayan is involved there,” he said.

He also emphasized that The Freeman Foundation carries the same spirit, as it continues to assist sick children and other forms of humanitarian aid throughout the year.

Belmonte also expressed gratitude to major benefactors, including the Angelo King Foundation and the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, for trusting their hands-on approach.

“We do it the hard way,” he said, noting that their sense of volunteerism handles both purchasing and distribution themselves to ensure accountability and integrity.

He added that there are regular donors who choose to remain anonymous, but whose support sustains these missions.

“For me, my biggest gratitude really goes to our team of volunteers,” Belmonte said, praising the employees of The Freeman and Philippine Star who set aside time to serve.

Belmonte offered a message of encouragement to the earthquake victims: “Don’t lose hope… Even if things are difficult, other people care, not just the government but even private citizens and organizations.”

The relief operation was also made possible through logistics support from Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation (PSACC) and the University of the Visayas, which provided vehicles to transport the goods to the far-flung barangays.

Philippine Navy and Marines reservists, along with Cadet Officer Candidate Course of Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) from CTU Daanbantayan and CRMC Bogo, assisted in carrying and organizing supplies on the ground.

Residents in Medellin showed their gratitude by sharing their own crops such as coconut, banana, bibingka, and puto balanghoy — with the volunteers in a spirit of bayanihan.

Based on the provincial government’s latest report, Daanbantayan recorded 23,175 partially damaged houses and 481 totally destroyed homes from the quake.

In Medellin, 16,490 houses were partially damaged and 752 were totally damaged.

Estefania Canales, 60, from Maharuhay, said their family still chooses to sleep outside their home out of fear of stronger aftershocks. “Lisod gud oy… Salamat taw’n ani’ng amo’ng nadawat karon,” she said.

Maharuhay Barangay Captain Narciso “Junjun” Osabel Jr. said fear remains their biggest problem aside from food and water. “Hangtod karon naa gihapon sila sa gawas mato’g mag-tent,” he said.

Junjun added that assistance rarely reaches their barangay due to its remote location. “Mapasalamaton kaayo mi’ng taga Maharuhay … dako’ng tabang nga nasulod jud ari ang hinabang.”

In Daanbantayan, Congressman Sun Shimura, Board Member Kerrie Shimura, and local officials welcomed the Damayan-Freeman team and assisted in the relief distribution.

Barangay Poblacion Captain Melissa de Leon thanked the teams for choosing their area. “Mapasalamaton mi og dako sa Philippine Star ug Freeman sa ila’ng hinabang.”

As what Canales aptly described the moment, “Kung kusog ang bunok sa ulan mao sad kakusog ang grasya nga amo’ng nadawat bisan giigo ‘mi sa katalagman.” (CEBU NEWS)