PBBM allocates P200M aid for quake-hit Cebu, orders ‘tent city’ setup in Bogo

CEBU PROVINCE-- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr allocated P200M in aid for Cebu Province and other quake-hit towns in Northern Cebu and also ordered a “tent city” setup in Bogo City to temporarily shelter residents who were displaced by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu.

The President visited Bogo City today, October 2 with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro to personally oversee relief efforts and expressed his concern on the widespread damage in infrastructure, that made residents to remain outdoors for fear of returning to damaged buildings including evacuation centers.

PBBM and Baricuatro assessed the devastation caused by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in northern Cebu, starting at the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo where they were met with patients and medical personnel, and they assured them that healthcare services remain accessible despite the damage.

To support recovery efforts, Malacañang has allocated ₱180 million in aid for Cebu Province and its quake-hit LGUs: Cebu Province with ₱50M; Bogo City-₱20M; San Remigio-₱20M; Sogod-₱20M; Bantayan-₱10M; Daanbantayan-₱10M; Madridejos-₱10M; Medellin-₱10M; Santa Fe -₱10M; Tabogon-₱10M; and Tabuelan-P10M.

PBBM said this funding hopes to fast-track relief, rehabilitation, and rebuilding for affected communities and based on a situation briefing at the Bogo City Hall, the team decided to put up a “Tent City” because people express fear to go back to their houses as aftershocks are still felt.

“Minamadali na lang natin… para naman may masilungan sila dito. Dahil marami, tama rin naman, natatakot na bumalik sa building. Mas gusto nila dito sila sa labas. Yun ang kanilang kagustuhan, ‘yun ang ating susundan. So, that’s why ang proposal is the tent city,” the President said after presiding over the situation briefing at the Bogo City Hall that also sustained major damage during the earthquake.

Marcos added that the government would tap the Philippine Red Cross to deploy its medical field tents, which were used at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as staging and isolation wards and ensure the tent facilities could provide basic services to the evacuees.

“Ang gagawin natin, kukuha tayo ng mga tent na malalaki at itatayo natin. Kagaya ng sinabi ko sa ating mga LGU executives, ito 'yung mga tent ng Red Cross na ginamit noong COVID. At ito ay mabilis itayo at kahit umulan hindi problema. Kaya 'yun ang dadalhin namin dito sa ngayon. Titiyakin natin na may food supply, may water supply, may kuryente kung kailangan mag-genset. Kung anuman ang pangangailangan ng tao ay titiyakin natin na mayroon,” the President said.

Marcos also checked on the SM Cares Village in Barangay Polambato , a Yolanda resettlement site where several units collapsed and the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Vincent Ferrer, whose bell tower and facilities were destroyed.

He pledged immediate relief, temporary shelter, and long-term rehabilitation for the families affected. The President assured the earthquake-affected communities of continued government support in the relief and recovery efforts. (Photos: FB Grabs/RTVM/PIA/Capitol)