Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
Philippine Red Cross intensifies relief operations in Cebu a week after 6.9-magnitude quake
Philippines
National
Philippine Red Cross intensifies relief operations in Cebu a week after 6.9-magnitude quake
Philippine Red Cross intensifies relief operations in Cebu a week after 6.9-magnitude quake
Published Oct 7, 2025 03:42 pm
Philippine Red Cross volunteers provide medical aid and relief to families affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu. (Photo from PH Red Cross)
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday, October 7, said it continues to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to communities in Cebu affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake, a week after the powerful tremor struck the province.
Despite responding to three disasters simultaneously, the PRC, led by Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, said it remains steadfast in providing aid in the areas of health, welfare, water, and shelter following the September 30 quake.
Victims find temporary shelter in the PRC tent city in Bogo, Cebu, following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake. (Photo from PH Red Cross)
Medical and rescue operations ongoing
PRC teams have established four first aid stations and conducted five vital signs monitoring activities, treating 73 individuals and transporting 14 patients for further medical care.
A 12-year-old child was also rescued by the PRC’s Emergency Response Unit.
The organization said its health teams continue to run disease prevention sessions and operate two medical tents, serving 64 people.
To support hospital needs, PRC’s blood services have collected 105 blood units for augmentation, it added.
Relief efforts and welfare support
Through its Welfare Services and Disaster Management Services (DMS), the PRC has distributed 459 jerry cans or water containers, 96 tents, 18 sleeping kits, and 3,017 hot meals to earthquake-affected families.
PRC teams distribute clean water and essential supplies to displaced residents a week after the Cebu earthquake. (Photo from PH Red Cross)
In addition, 144 children joined activities in Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS), while 227 individuals received Psychological First Aid (PFA).
Under the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program, the PRC has delivered 172,200 liters of clean water to affected areas, ensuring access to safe drinking water for displaced families.
Support and logistics for sustained operations
To sustain ongoing relief operations, the PRC has mobilized 264 personnel and volunteers, including 27 staff members and 84 newly recruited RC143 volunteers.
Deployed assets include four ambulances, four food trucks, five water tankers, three water treatment units, and three water bladders, along with generators, family tents, and heavy vehicles, the PRC said.
PRC responders work around the clock to deliver life-saving assistance—medical care, food, water, and shelter—to earthquake-hit communities in Cebu.(Photo from PH Red Cross)
A total of 46 staff members from Cebu and other PRC chapters nationwide—supported by the National Headquarters (NHQ) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)—continue to work around the clock.
Tent city in Bogo offers shelter to displaced families
Following the establishment of a tent city in Bogo, the PRC has made significant progress in providing temporary shelter and essential services for affected families.
As of 8 a.m. on October 7, the site included 75 installed tents, 18 portalets, and two bathing facilities.
So far, 18 families (83 individuals) have relocated to the area, which is equipped with a health and first aid station, a welfare desk, and a child-friendly space to support residents’ physical and mental well-being.
Gordon commends volunteers, calls for donations
“To all the staff and volunteers of the Philippine Red Cross, thank you for your efforts. We were able to do so much because of the work and solidarity we put in together,” Gordon said.
The Philippine Red Cross, led by its Chairman Richard Gordon, continues relief operations in Cebu a week after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake, delivering medical aid, clean water, and shelter. (Photo from PH Red Cross)
The PRC reaffirmed its mission of being “Always First, Always Ready, Always There” in the service of humanity.
The organization is also calling for donations to support ongoing earthquake relief operations in Cebu.
PRC Chairman Richard Gordon commends Red Cross volunteers for their tireless service in Cebu’s earthquake response. (Photo from PH Red Cross)
Interested donors may contact the official hotline #143 to help sustain relief efforts and reach more affected families.