BACOLOD City– Government officials and private companies have begun mobilizing assistance for communities devastated by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured.
The Bacolod City Government and the office of House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez have expressed readiness to extend aid to affected residents as relief and recovery efforts continue in quake-hit areas.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city government is prepared to provide financial assistance to communities severely affected by the disaster.
“We will assess the situation to determine the amount of assistance that the city government can extend to the earthquake victims. We will also seek the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the release of funds,” Gasataya said.
The mayor also emphasized the importance of ensuring Bacolod City’s preparedness against similar disasters.
He said he has directed the City Engineer’s Office, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and the Office of the Building Official to conduct regular inspections and monitoring of government structures, particularly school buildings, to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, Benitez assured affected communities that his office is coordinating the delivery of assistance to earthquake victims.
“Our office will facilitate the delivery of assistance, which will be sent directly to the affected residents in Mindanao,” Benitez said.
As of June 9, authorities reported at least 32 fatalities and more than 400 injuries resulting from the powerful earthquake. Thousands of families have been displaced, while critical infrastructure sustained significant damage in several parts of Mindanao.
Alongside government efforts, companies under the Razon Group—the parent group of Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power)—have launched relief operations to provide immediate assistance to communities hardest hit by the disaster.
Led by Primelectric, ICTSI, and Manila Water, the group delivered financial assistance and essential supplies to local government units and affected residents in Sarangani, South Cotabato, and General Santos City.
The companies also provided fuel for generator sets to help restore critical services in affected areas, as well as bottled drinking water, rice, canned goods, and other basic necessities for displaced families staying in evacuation centers.
To address urgent water needs, Manila Water deployed a Mobile Water Treatment Plant to ensure access to safe and potable water. Primelectric, meanwhile, distributed solar lamps and industrial fans to improve conditions in temporary shelters and evacuation sites.
The coordinated response from government agencies and private institutions underscores the growing effort to provide immediate relief and support recovery initiatives in communities struggling to rebuild following one of the strongest earthquakes to hit Mindanao in recent years.
As rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations continue, public officials and private organizations have pledged to sustain assistance and stand in solidarity with affected families throughout the recovery process./PN
