Cebu to donate P10 million to quake-hit GenSan

Local

THE Province of Cebu will give P10 million cash assistance to General Santos City, which was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Monday, June 8.

The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved en masse the request of Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro to extend financial assistance to General Santos, noting the need for urgent humanitarian assistance to the affected communities.

"The Province of Cebu has consistently upheld the spirit of solidarity and mutual aid among local government units, especially during disasters and crises," said Baricuatro in her letter.

During the provincial board's regular session5th District Board Member Andrei "Red" Duterte pushed for the resolution granting financial assistance.

Duterte said they will wait for further assesment on the extent of the damage in Southern Mindanao so that the body can discuss the assistance the Capitol can extend to other affected areas.

"As we all know, General Santos was not the only LGU that was affected but in light of what happened earlier, it was deemed necessary to give, for the meantime to General Santos pending the assesment and consultation to the other areas" Duterte said.

"We are hoping that once that item 73 is approved, by next week we will be passing similar resolutions to give financial assistance to other affected areas," Duterte added.

Before discussing the agenda, the body expressed sympathy and solidarity to all affected areas.

"We pray for the safety of every family, the quick recovery of those who were injured, and the strength and resilience of the affected communities as they recover and rebuild. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time," Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco said.

As of 1:40 p.m. Monday, the Emergency Operations Center said the death toll from the 7.8 magnitude quake has reached 12, including nine fatalities in General Santos and 3 in Glan Sarangani.

As per report by the Philippine Information Agency Sarangani-General Santos City, most deaths were caused by falling debris.

In response to the tragedy, Baricuatro placed the province’s disaster response mechanisms on alert.

Baricuatro ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to closely monitor developments and coordinate with local disaster management offices across Cebu while maintaining communication with authorities in Mindanao.

“I have also instructed our PDRRMO to reach out to the disaster management authorities in General Santos City and other affected areas to determine how the Province of Cebu may assist should help be needed,” Baricuatro said.

Baricuatro said Cebu had not recorded significant effects from the earthquake but urged residents to remain alert and follow official advisories, particularly regarding possible aftershocks.

“While there are no reports of significant effects in Cebu at this time, I encourage all Cebuanos to remain vigilant, stay informed through official advisories, and be prepared for possible aftershocks,” she said.

The governor also expressed support for residents in Mindanao affected by the disaster.

“In times like these, we are reminded that Filipinos are strongest when we stand together. Cebu stands ready to help our brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” Baricuatro said.(MyTVCebu)