A week after a catastrophic landslide buried a waste facility in Cebu City, the community is grappling with profound loss and rallying around the victims. The tragic incident at the Prime Waste Solutions Cebu Landfill in Barangay Binaliw has prompted both spiritual and official responses as the death toll rises and families seek help.
Archdiocese Leads Spiritual Response
In the wake of the disaster, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has issued a heartfelt call to the faithful. He urged everyone to unite in prayer for those impacted by the January 8 landslide. "Let us unite in prayer for our brothers and sisters affected by the landslide," Archbishop Uy stated. He specifically asked for divine comfort and strength for the grieving families, the injured, and those still unaccounted for.
The Archbishop also highlighted the courage of the rescue teams. He called for prayers to grant the responders endurance, wisdom, and protection as they continue their dangerous mission of searching for survivors amidst the rubble.
A City in Mourning: Official Actions and a Family's Plea
The scale of the tragedy has moved local authorities to action. As of January 13, the confirmed death toll stands at 13 individuals, with more than 20 people still missing. In response, the Cebu City government has declared Friday, January 16, as an official 'Day of Mourning.'
In solidarity, the Archdiocese of Cebu announced that Archbishop Uy has directed all Masses celebrated on that day to be offered for the souls of the victims and for their bereaved families. A social media post from the archdiocese expressed the hope that "the Lord grant eternal rest to those who have died and comfort to those who mourn."
Behind the statistics are stories of immense personal grief. Bienvenido Ranido, a trash hauler, lost his wife, Rowena, who worked as human resources staff at the facility. She was found dead on Friday, January 9, 2026, a day after the collapse. Ranido recounted the sudden landslide that engulfed the site. Now, he is left to appeal for public assistance—seeking scholarship aid for their children and help to bury his wife.
Community Solidarity in the Face of Tragedy
The dual responses from the Church and the city government underscore a community-wide effort to cope with the aftermath. The declaration of a Day of Mourning provides a formal space for collective grief and remembrance, while the spiritual appeals offer solace and a call to communal support.
The tragedy at the Binaliw landfill has starkly highlighted the human cost behind waste management operations. As rescue efforts persist and families like Ranido's navigate their devastating new reality, the calls for prayers and acts of solidarity remain a crucial pillar of support for Cebu City.
