The Provincial Government of Davao de Oro has demonstrated a powerful act of solidarity by extending ₱4.5 million in financial assistance to eleven local government units (LGUs) in Cebu Province that were severely affected by a recent earthquake. The ceremonial turnover of the aid took place on Tuesday, December 2, at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
Ceremonial Turnover and Expressions of Gratitude
Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Silagan Baricuatro personally accepted the donation, standing alongside other local officials from Cebu. The handover was led by representatives from Davao de Oro, including Joseph Randy Loy, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO), who formally presented the checks.
Loy conveyed the message of support from Davao de Oro Governor Raul Mabanglo, stating the governor wished to express his full support for Sugbo (Cebu). In response, Governor Baricuatro voiced her profound gratitude. “Please express my gratitude sa inyong governor and to the people of Davao de Oro, for standing by Cebu, especially in this time that we are really down on our knees,” she said.
Distribution of Funds to Affected Municipalities
The ₱4.5 million in aid was distributed strategically to the impacted areas. The six LGUs identified as the hardest-hit each received ₱500,000. These areas are:
- Catmon
- Madridejos
- Daanbantayan
- Bogo City
- San Remigio
- Medellin
An additional five affected LGUs were granted ₱300,000 each. These recipients include:
- Sogod
- Santa Fe
- San Fernando
- Tabuelan
- Borbon
This financial support was drawn from Davao de Oro's Quick Response Fund (QRF) under its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF), which is designated for aiding disaster-stricken communities both within and outside the province's jurisdiction.
Swift Approval and Ongoing Commitment to Disaster Response
The initiative to provide earthquake aid to Cebu was set in motion following a joint council meeting in October, after the devastating quake. Governor Mabanglo, who also chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), endorsed the proposal to extend help.
“So we will provide financial assistance to eleven highly affected municipalities in Cebu Province,” Governor Mabanglo stated during the meeting. The proposal was subsequently approved by the 10th Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its 18th Regular Session on October 27, allowing the PDRRMO to mobilize and deliver the funds by December 2.
This act is part of Davao de Oro's broader commitment to inter-provincial support during calamities. Just days before the Cebu turnover, on November 25, the province also provided ₱1.5 million to five municipalities in Davao Oriental affected by a separate earthquake.
These efforts highlight the strengthening cooperation between local governments in Mindanao and the Visayas, showcasing the enduring Filipino spirit of bayanihan and unity in times of crisis.
