Iloilo Capitol prepares aid for Cebu earthquake victims

By Mariela Angella Oladive

As aftershocks continue to shake parts of Cebu, the Iloilo provincial government is preparing to send financial assistance to residents affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City on Tuesday night, Sept. 30.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said the provincial government is still finalizing both the amount of aid and its source.

The number of beneficiaries is still being assessed as coordination with local officials and on-the-ground damage evaluations continue.

“We are finalizing the amount, and we are still deciding where to source the funds. We have two options, and we will determine this within the day,” Gov. Defensor said in an interview on Monday, Oct. 6.

The aid is part of Iloilo’s effort to extend support and solidarity among local governments during disasters.

The quake, felt as far as Iloilo, damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods, and prompted evacuations, class suspensions, and safety inspections.

According to the Cebu Provincial Capitol Public Information Office, at least 71 people were killed, three remain missing, and 592 were injured as of Sunday, Oct. 5.

Around 209,972 families (372,513 individuals) were affected, with 26,140 families (5,270 individuals) displaced.

Data verification is still ongoing as the full impact of the earthquake continues to be assessed.

Cebu province has so far collected at least PHP 66.4 million in cash donations and PHP 7.9 million in in-kind aid as of 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Relief operations continue in Bogo City, San Remigio, Medellin, Daanbantayan, Sogod, Tabogon, and Borbon, with priority needs including food, potable water, modular tents, hygiene kits, medical supplies, water tankers, generators, and heavy equipment.

The provincial government also appealed to donors without direct beneficiaries to drop off contributions at the Danao City Boardwalk hub to help ease traffic congestion.