Cebu bus operators volunteer to deliver relief goods to quake-hit towns

CEBU- Bus operators serving the northern and southern Cebu routes volunteered to transport relief goods and food packs, free of charge, from the Provincial Government’s warehouses to earthquake-hit localities in northern Cebu.

“We are happy nga kaning atong mga civic-minded kaayo nga bus operators are helping us with this effort kay they are also answering the call of Governor Pam Baricuatro sa pagtabang sa mga biktima sa earthquake,” Ahmed Cuizon, administrator of the Capitol’s north and south bus terminals said during the loading of relief goods on October 22.

The operators’ initiative was a show of civic-mindedness and solidarity, Cuizon said that seven bus lines — Chan Transit, Britt Trans, Ceres, Librando, El Joesur, Cebu San Sebastian Liner Corp., and Sunrays as well as Sheridan Marketing, sent their buses and trucks to the Capitol warehouses at the Capitol Compound and the old DA Compound on M. Velez Street, Cebu City to load the relief goods. 

Among the items being delivered are 2,500 jerrycans purchased by the Capitol, bottled water, houseware items, and other relief goods donated by both private individuals and government agencies and instrumentalities. 

Cuizon noted that even more than 20 days after the 6.9-magnitude quake struck northern Cebu, donations, both monetary and in-kind continue to pour in, reflecting the public’s trust in Governor Baricuatro’s transparent leadership.

Cuizon added that the volunteers’ efforts help the Capitol save on logistics costs, as private transportation services had to be hired in the past to deliver relief goods to the north.

“It is very commendable that operators go out of their way, using their own private resources such as the buses, ilang mga workers, ilang gasoline, volunteering their efforts and resources for the benefit of our earthquake victims,” he said.

As of October 21, the Province of Cebu received ₱135.6 million in donations, a strong symbol of unity and compassion from individuals, organizations, LGUs, and government agencies. Of this amount, over ₱111 million was allocated for relief and recovery operations while the remaining ₱23 million are to be used to support rehabilitation efforts to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and strengthen communities in the next coming weeks. (Photos: Capitol PIO)