Capitol to send P10M aid to General Santos

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government is extending P10 million in calamity assistance to General Santos City to support relief and recovery efforts following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday morning, June 8.

The Provincial Board approved during yesterday’s regular session a resolution authorizing Governor Pamela Baricuatro to extend financial assistance to Mindanao. The governor said the initiative reflects Cebu’s continuing commitment to solidarity among local government units during times of disaster.

Last year, when Cebu was devastated by an earthquake, General Santos City donated P8 million to the Cebu Provincial Government, which was later distributed to affected municipalities in the province.

“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 to the Provincial Board requesting authority to send financial aid.

Baricuatro also expressed sympathy for those affected by the quake.

“My thoughts and prayers are with our fellow Filipinos in Sarangani, General Santos City, and other areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao this morning,” she said.

The governor emphasized that Cebu, having experienced destructive earthquakes in the past, understands the fear and uncertainty faced by affected communities.

She directed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to closely monitor developments and maintain coordination with disaster offices across Cebu and affected areas.

Baricuatro also instructed the PDRRMO to coordinate with disaster management authorities in General Santos City to determine other possible forms of assistance the province may extend.

She assured the public that there were no reports of significant earthquake impacts in Cebu, but urged Cebuanos to remain vigilant and prepare for possible aftershocks.

Vice Governor Glenn Soco also conveyed Cebu’s solidarity with communities in Mindanao affected by the disaster.

“On behalf of the Province of Cebu and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, we extend our deepest sympathy and solidarity to every family facing fear, loss, and uncertainty in the wake of this tragedy,” Soco said.

He also offered prayers for the safety of affected residents, first responders, and local officials carrying out emergency response operations.

“In moments like these, we are reminded that beyond geographical boundaries, we are one people and one nation,” the vice governor added, stressing Cebu’s support for communities working to recover and rebuild.

Meanwhile, the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu have also expressed readiness to extend assistance to affected Mindanao communities.

Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the city government is considering providing financial assistance to General Santos City.

“We are considering gyud to provide assistance to the people of Gensan,” Ouano told reporters.

He said he initially considered sending an emergency response team to Mindanao, but noted that the travel distance may make deployment impractical.

According to Ouano, providing cash assistance would be more efficient since local authorities are in the best position to determine the immediate needs of residents.

“Cash assistance lang usa kay maoy madali and mao dayon ang maggamit nila,” he said.

The Mandaue City Council also approved yesterday a resolution en masse expressing solidarity with fellow Filipinos in Mindanao affected by the earthquake.

Councilor Carlo Fortuna said the resolution authorizes Mayor Ouano to release financial assistance and provide logistical support if necessary.

“Pareho atong linog sa Bogo City nga kinahanglan ta magpada og team ngadto. If needed sa national government, the city mayor is authorized to send our own CDRRMO (City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) to provide relief and recovery assistance to the affected LGUs,” Fortuna said.

Ouano said the amount of assistance has yet to be finalized.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan announced that the city government is prepared to provide immediate assistance if needed.

She said city authorities are closely coordinating with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, the Office of Civil Defense Region VII, and other national agencies to monitor developments and assess the needs of affected communities.

As part of preparedness measures, the city has activated five trained personnel who are on standby for possible deployment to Southern Mindanao.

King-Chan assured the public that the team is ready to serve as part of an Incident Management Team augmentation and can be mobilized immediately should the need arise.

She added that the local government remains on heightened alert and is prepared to extend support as the situation continues to unfold.

“As Oponganons, we stand in solidarity with our fellow Filipinos in Mindanao during this difficult time,” the mayor said. “We join everyone in prayer for their safety, strength, and swift recovery.”

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak also confirmed that the Cebu City disaster office is closely coordinating with Mindanao officials, who described the situation as “manageable.”

Mayor Nestor Archival said Cebu City remains on alert and ready to extend assistance to earthquake victims if needed.

“Bisan pa niana, nagpabilin kitang alerto ug andam motabang kon gikinahanglan,” Archival said.

He added that the city is still assessing what assistance it can provide to affected communities while urging residents to remain calm, follow official advisories, and continue practicing disaster preparedness.

Archival also called for solidarity and prayers for those affected.

Tumulak, who chairs the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), said the city government has been in direct communication with disaster officials in Mindanao, particularly in Davao.

“Nag communicate pata sa Davao DRR, manageable ra sila,” Tumulak said, adding that Cebu remains vigilant and prepared to respond if necessary.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake’s epicenter was located 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of 33 kilometers.

The quake registered Intensity VII in General Santos City, Intensity VI in Sultan Kudarat, and Intensity V in Davao City and Cotabato.

PHIVOLCS said the tremor was tectonic in origin and warned of possible strong aftershocks. Tsunami warnings were also issued for Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of Zamboanga, with residents advised to evacuate to higher ground. — Kristin de Dios and Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)