The Office of the Vice President (OVP) announced on Wednesday, Oct. 1, that it will send help to the victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that rocked Cebu province yesterday.
The Office of the Vice President starts its relief efforts for the earthquake victims in Cebu. (OVP Photo)
Vice President Sara Duterte directed the OVP Satellite Office in Cebu for the immediate mobilization of resources to assist affected families and individuals there.
“We stand with the people of Cebu during this difficult time. The OVP will continue to extend support and coordinate closely with local government units, national agencies, and private partners to ensure that immediate needs are met,” her office said in a statement.
The OVP is currently assessing the schedule of relief operations since several roads still remain impassable, particularly in Northern Cebu.
Duterte has also placed the Satellite Offices in Eastern Visayas, as well as in Panay and Negros Islands, on standby for possible augmentation of relief goods.
Her office expressed sympathies for those affected by the strong earthquake on Tuesday night, Sept. 30.
“Ipinapaabot namin ang aming mga dasal para sa kapayapaan ng mga pumanaw, kagalingan ng mga nasugatan, at mabilis na pagbangon ng mga komunidad na apektado ng trahedya (We are sending our prayers for peace to those who perished, healing for those injured, and the swift recovery of the communities affected by the tragedy),” OVP said.
“Dasal ng OVP na mabigyan kayo ng lakas ng loob, at tibay ng pananampalataya, at pag-asa sa pagharap ng hamon na ito (The OVP prays for your strength, faith, and hope in the face of these challenges),” it added.
The earthquake struck the coast of Cebu City on Tuesday night, killing at least 60 people as Bogo City and nearby affected towns and municipalities declared a state of calamity.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has monitored around 100 aftershocks following the earthquake which left hundreds of injured across Cebu.
According to local reports, houses, buildings, churches, and malls were heavily damaged by the earthquake, and responders are having a hard time rescuing victims and recovering bodies.