ILOILO – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo has acted swiftly following the devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30, passing key resolutions not only to send aid to the disaster-hit province but also to boost Iloilo’s own disaster preparedness.
The quake claimed 72 lives, injured 366 others, and displaced hundreds of families, prompting 2nd District Board Member June Mondejar to deliver an impassioned appeal for solidarity and action during the provincial board’s October 2 session.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the human tragedy unfolding in Cebu. Families have lost loved ones, and many are now without shelter or livelihoods. It is our duty to extend our support in any way possible,” Mondejar said.
Mondejar described the grim situation in the aftermath of the tremor.
“Many of the displaced families, especially those in trauma, opted to stay in open fields or in makeshift houses made of light materials due to fears of strong aftershocks… Nobody expected that it would happen that night, which is why people were unprepared. They had not placed themselves in safe places and had not been able to stock food and water,” he added.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., with the assistance of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Ret. PCol. Cornelio Salinas, also proposed a resolution to channel unspent financial aid funds to help Cebu’s recovery efforts.
Three Key Resolutions Passed
The Board approved three major measures aimed at both immediate relief and long-term safety:
1. Financial Aid to Cebu – Defensor was requested to extend immediate financial assistance to the Province of Cebu to support ongoing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations.
2. Building Safety Inspections – Local chief executives in Iloilo’s cities and municipalities were directed to immediately assess the structural integrity of public and private buildings amid potential aftershocks. Municipal engineers and building officials are tasked to ensure compliance with seismic standards.
3. Proposal for an Earthquake Monitoring Station – The Board urged its Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management to study the establishment of a permanent earthquake monitoring station in Iloilo Province.
The resolutions signal Iloilo’s intent to translate compassion into action—helping Cebu recover while ensuring the province is not caught unprepared should a similar disaster strike./PN
