Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has announced plans to personally deliver P10 million in financial assistance to General Santos City as part of the province’s aid for earthquake relief and recovery efforts. The gesture comes as a heartfelt response and reciprocation for the support GenSan extended to Cebu during its own earthquake recovery last year.
Why Cebu Stepped Up
The Cebu Provincial Board approved the resolution authorizing the release of P10 million in calamity assistance during their regular session on Monday, June 8. Governor Baricuatro emphasized that this reflects the spirit of solidarity and mutual aid among local government units, especially during times of disaster.
When Cebu was devastated by an earthquake last year, General Santos City donated P8 million to the Cebu Provincial Government. “GenSan gave us P8 million when the earthquake happened here in Cebu, and the mayor personally delivered it,” Baricuatro said during a press briefing. She added, “I want to give it myself.”
Logistics and Safety Planning
Provincial disaster officials are carefully evaluating travel routes and safety conditions before the aid delivery. Key considerations include:
- Safety assessment by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office before travel
- Route evaluation through Davao or Cotabato as access points to General Santos
- Possible deployment of an advance team to coordinate with local officials on the ground
- Release timing targeted for the weekend pending final clearance from authorities
- Concerns over ongoing response operations and aftershocks in Mindanao
- Cebu City also approved P5 million in additional assistance sourced from Pagcor funds
In addition to Cebu’s aid, the national government has committed P100 million for city hall repairs, and numerous LGUs across the country have extended support to the earthquake-stricken city.
Community Solidarity in Action
This inter-LGU cooperation highlights how local governments rise to support each other during crises. General Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, continues to receive aid and assistance as it recovers from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on June 8.
The travel coordination and safety checks demonstrate the careful planning needed when delivering aid to disaster-affected areas, especially while aftershocks continue and infrastructure remains compromised.
For inquiries or to order custom shirts for your relief organization or community group, contact us at +63 946 048 0491 or email gracezelguerra22@gmail.com. We offer affordable shirt printing for organizations and communities in GenSan.