From cities of Mandaue and Cebu to Mindanao: More help extended

CEBU, Philippines — More help may soon be on its way to Southern Mindanao as the Mandaue City Government is set to provide P1 million in financial assistance, while Cebu City has launched a donation drive to mobilize Cebuanos in extending relief to quake-stricken areas.

Yesterday, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano confirmed that the city government had finalized its decision to provide P1 million in financial assistance to the local government of General Santos City, which was severely affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani Province on June 8, 2026.

Ouano told the media that the amount had already been finalized following the approval by the Mandaue City Council of a resolution expressing solidarity with fellow Filipinos in Mindanao affected by the earthquake.

During its regular session on June 8, the council authorized Ouano to release financial assistance and provide logistical support if necessary.

“Pag Monday palang gihatagan nako nila og authority, so ang atong ihatag sa atong mga kaigsuonan sa GenSan is P1 million as financial assistance sa nahitabong linog,” said Ouano.

Ouano recalled that a few months before the earthquake, Congressman Bobby Pacquiao and his wife, General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao, visited Mandaue City Hall.

The mayor also noted that during the Batang Pinoy games held in General Santos City last year, the Mandaue City delegation was warmly welcomed and well taken care of.

“Gi-entertain pod intawn nila og maayo, maong close to our hearts,” said Ouano, citing Mandaue’s deep connection with General Santos City.

He added that these were people who had helped Mandaue City without asking for anything in return and had done so willingly.

“So kita, angay sad gyud nga mubaws sad sa kaya lang sad sa syudad nga financial assistance,” said Ouano.

Ouano added that if he is unable to personally deliver the assistance to General Santos City, another city official or council member may hand over the financial aid on behalf of the city government.

The mayor said the financial assistance is expected to be released within the next two weeks after the processing of the check.

“Ato ng ipalihok dayon,” said Mayor Ouano.

Cebu City

For Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival has launched a donation drive to mobilize Cebuanos in extending relief to earthquake survivors in Southern Mindanao, aside from the P5 million financial assistance already approved by the Cebu City Council for General Santos City.

Archival made the announcement during Cebu City's Independence Day celebration yesterday, stressing that the drive begins today, June 13, in front of the Legislative Building at City Hall.

He appealed to residents and institutions to contribute essential goods.

“Akong gihangyo ang akong mga kaigsoonan nga naa sa syudad sa Sugbo, mga institution nga naa dinhi nga palihug, tabangan nato ang atong kaigsoonan sa Mindanao aron ato silang matagaan ug gamayng alibyo sa ilang kasakit,” Archival told reporters.

The mayor explained that while cash donations are welcome, goods in any form are more practical for immediate relief.

“Kon cash man gud, isulod nato nas City government account unya ang pagpagawas ana, dugay. Akong anha, nga kong cash, ipalit na lang na ninyo tubig, bugas, habol, lung-aganan, butane ug pwede… trapal, toiletries,” Archival said.

He added that the donation drive will run for a week, with trucks scheduled to deliver supplies to General Santos by Saturday next week.

The city's disaster team has been instructed to coordinate with counterparts in Mindanao to ensure aid reaches the hardest-hit and most remote areas.

Archival also said that if his schedule permits, he will personally lead the turnover of donations.

The mayor reminded Cebuanos that the city has received help from other regions during its own crises, including from Mindanao, and that now is the time to reciprocate.

“During the time nga nagkalisod ta, daghan kaayong mga tawo na nitabang nato including from Mindanao… This is the right time for us to reciprocate kon unsay ilang nahatag nato being a member sa usa ka country, ang Pilipinas,” he stressed.

The donation drive comes in the wake of the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani on June 8, damaging schools, hospitals, commercial establishments, and homes.

The quake, felt at Intensity 7, also forced the closure of the General Santos Airport, disrupting flights and isolating parts of the city.

A day after the disaster, the Cebu City Council unanimously approved Archival’s request to release P5 million from PAGCOR funds to aid GenSan’s relief and rehabilitation efforts. (CEBU NEWS)