𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 ₱𝟏𝟎𝐌 𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐊𝐄-𝐇𝐈𝐓 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐒
“They helped us, now it’s our turn.”
Invoking Cebu’s own experience of receiving assistance from other local governments during times of crisis, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the Cebu Provincial Government has readied ₱10 million in financial aid for General Santos City following the recent earthquake that affected parts of Mindanao.
Gov. Baricuatro expressed her intention to personally hand over the province’s financial assistance, recalling the support Cebu received from General Santos City after the September 2025 earthquake.
“Gensan has been very generous to Cebu. They gave us ₱8 million when we experienced the earthquake last year, and the mayor personally delivered it. I would like to return the favor. Ato sad sila tabangan in times of need kay kita sad bitaw gitabangan man ta. We are reciprocating also to our neighbors,” the governor said.
Before the turnover, an advance team led by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Head Dennis Pastor will assess conditions on the ground, particularly the status of roads and bridges affected by the earthquake.
“There are reports of damaged roads and bridges. If the governor will be there, we need to ensure her safety and make sure she will not be stranded,” Pastor said.
The provincial government is targeting the soonest possible schedule for the turnover, potentially within the weekend, subject to the results of the assessment.
Gov. Baricuatro also acknowledged the Provincial Board for its swift response in approving the assistance.
Instead of sending relief goods, the province opted to provide financial assistance, taking into consideration that supply lines in the affected areas remain operational.
Drawing from the province’s experience after the earthquake, she said ready-to-eat food was essential as many families had no time to cook after their homes were damaged.
She recalled that the Capitol spent heavily on packed meals in the aftermath of the disaster, stressing the need to provide immediate assistance, particularly through cash aid.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) have also been on standby should psychosocial support or medical augmentation be requested by local authorities.
Gov. Baricuatro added that she has already communicated with South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., who informed her that damage assessments are still ongoing.
“I assured Governor Tamayo nga naa rami diri sa Probinsya sa Sugbo if kinahanglan mo’g tabang. So far they are okay man kuno but if augmentation becomes necessary, we are prepared to extend further support,” she said.
The governor emphasized that the assistance reflects Cebu’s commitment to helping fellow local government units during times of crisis.
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