Cebu Province OKs P10M aid for quake-hit General Santos

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board on Monday, June 8, approved a resolution authorizing Governor Pamela Baricuatro to release P10 million in financial assistance to General Santos City following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao earlier in the day.

Approved during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s 17th regular session, the measure aims to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and support relief and recovery efforts in the affected area.

The resolution, authored by Board Member Andrei Duterte, authorizes Baricuatro to extend the calamity assistance on behalf of the Cebu Provincial Government.

Resolution approved

During the session, provincial officials said the immediate release of aid was necessary in light of the devastation caused by the powerful earthquake.

Duterte, who moved for the approval of the measure, noted that General Santos City was not the only local government unit affected by the disaster but said provincial officials deemed it necessary to immediately extend assistance to the city while assessments and consultations with other affected areas were still ongoing.

READ: LIST: Canceled flights due to magnitude 7.8 Mindanao earthquake

He expressed hope that similar resolutions granting financial assistance to other earthquake-hit local government units could also be passed in succeeding sessions.

The resolution was subsequently approved en masse without objections.

Governor sought authority

Earlier in the day, Baricuatro formally requested Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, the presiding officer of the Provincial Board, to authorize the release of P10 million in calamity assistance.

In a letter dated June 8, the governor cited the “devastating effects” of the earthquake and the urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

READ: Cebu LGUs prepare aid for victims of Mindanao earthquake

She said the proposed assistance would support relief and recovery efforts and help address the immediate needs of residents affected by the disaster.

“The Province of Cebu has consistently upheld the spirit of solidarity and mutual aid among local government units, especially during disasters and crises,” Baricuatro wrote.

Furthermore, she urged the Provincial Board to immediately pass the necessary resolution to facilitate the timely delivery of assistance.

Earthquake triggers casualties, aftershocks

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Mindanao on Monday morning, prompting tsunami warnings and triggering a series of strong aftershocks.

READ: Magnitude 7.8 quake hits Mindanao, leaving at least 12 dead, 200 injured

According to reports, at least 12 people have died in the disaster, with the numbers expected to rise as assessments are currently ongoing.

The United States Geological Survey recorded several aftershocks following the initial quake, with the strongest measuring magnitude 6.5.

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