ILOILO City – Demonstrating solidarity beyond borders, the Iloilo City Government is sending financial aid to earthquake-stricken areas in Cebu and Davao Oriental — a gesture underscoring the city’s continuing compassion for fellow Filipinos in times of calamity.
Mayor Raisa Treñas confirmed that the city will release P200,000 each for the local governments of Bogo City, Cebu, and Davao Oriental, both of which suffered major destruction following powerful earthquakes in recent weeks.
“We are preparing to extend aid, because ever since, it has been our practice to help whenever disasters strike,” Treñas said, adding that the allocation is now being finalized with the City Budget Office.
She expressed sympathy to the victims, assuring that Iloilo City stands in solidarity with affected families.
“As fellow Visayans and Filipinos, we are committed to helping our neighbors rise from this devastation and rebuild with strength and hope,” Treñas added.
The assistance comes in the wake of two major tremors that rocked the country.
On September 30, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolted northern Cebu, leaving 75 people dead, over a thousand injured, and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
Just 10 days later, on October 10, a magnitude 7.4 quake struck off Davao Oriental, toppling structures and triggering temporary tsunami warnings in coastal communities.
Iloilo City’s swift move to provide assistance reflects its growing reputation as a reliable partner in humanitarian response, often among the first local governments to mobilize aid whenever disasters hit other parts of the country./PN
