Cebu sends aid to fellow quake-stricken Davao Oriental

Local

THEY may still be recovering from the devastation of a 6.9-magnitude earthquake but the province of Cebu and Cebu City are already reaching out to help Davao Oriental, which is also reeling from a recent tremor.

The Cebu Provincial Board approved P5 million in financial assistance to Davao Oriental, which was severely affected by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Manay on Oct. 10.

The resolution, certified urgent by Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, passed by the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, was described by Vice Governor Glenn Soco as “a gesture of compassion and solidarity” toward fellow Filipinos.

He noted that the aid also reciprocates the support other provinces extended to Cebu after the September 30 quake.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the earthquake in Davao Oriental has affected 520,185 people, or 131,827 families.

Of these, 1,999 families (8,676 people) are staying in 18 evacuation centers, while 52 families (192 people) are assisted elsewhere.

The NDRRMC confirmed eight fatalities and 403 injuries. Infrastructure damage includes 37 road sections and nine bridges.

Cebu City has also been actively organizing donations for disaster-affected communities.

Mayor Nestor Archival pledged to match all monetary contributions, effectively doubling the total aid collected.

As of Monday morning, October 13, the donation drive for Davao Oriental had received P116,115 in cash and an equal amount in goods.

These contributions will be combined with the city’s matching pledge before being sent to the province.

The city had previously organized donations for northern Cebu following the September 30 earthquake, raising P3,733,663.86, roughly equivalent to P7.4 million in goods, from municipalities including Bogo, Medellin, San Remigio, and Daanbantayan.

In addition to financial and material aid, Cebu City is sending local delicacies such as danggit, dried mangoes, otap, and chicharon.

These items have become a social media talking point, with many in Davao joking that Cebu’s aid should include the snacks.

Archival said the treats are intended to provide a small measure of comfort to families affected by the earthquake.

“To the people of Mindanao, the people of Cebu City hear you. Help is on the way, with a little taste of Cebu’s joy,” Archival said.

While northern Cebu continues to deal with aftershocks and ongoing recovery, authorities said these challenges have not prevented the province and city from supporting other communities in need.(MyTVCebu)