Members of the new Senate majority bloc have announced measures to support communities affected by the magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on Monday, while also calling on minority senators to join their relief initiative.

In a statement, the group expressed solidarity with affected residents as rescue and recovery operations continue.

“The Senate New Majority stands with the families and communities in Mindanao who are now facing the painful work of rescue, relief, rebuilding and recovery after the powerful earthquake,” they said in a statement.

As part of their response, they said members of the bloc have agreed to donate one month of their salaries to help fund relief efforts.

“As a personal contribution to the relief effort, members of the Senate New Majority are prepared to donate one month of our salary to help support affected communities,” they expressed.

They also invited colleagues from the minority to take part, stressing unity in responding to the disaster.

"While this is a small contribution, we hope our colleagues in the minority will join us in this effort. After all, we are senators of all Filipino people. This is a moment when the Senate, whatever its internal divisions, can still speak through one act of shared compassion.”

Latest figures from the Office of Civil Defense deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano showed that as of 6 a.m. Tuesday, the quake has killed at least 37 people, injured 456, and left four missing.

The disaster has affected 17,689 families or 77,186 individuals, with 5,343 families or 19,365 people currently staying in evacuation centers.

The Senate majority bloc emphasized that beyond financial assistance, their initiative is also meant to convey solidarity and emotional support for affected communities still coping with loss and uncertainty.

“What we hope to give is not only financial assistance, but a clear message that Mindanao is not facing this burden alone,” they said.

“Naniniwala kami na ang unang hakbang ng sinserong pakikiramay ay ang ipaabot sa mga taga-Mindanao ang mensaheng handa ang pamahalaang tumulong sa oras ng pangangailangan,” they added.

They added that aid should be guided by on-the-ground needs, particularly for essential supplies and temporary relief while assessments continue.

“Our contribution should go to immediate needs such as food, clean water, medicine, temporary shelter and other assistance identified by local communities and responders on the ground,” they noted.

The group also extended its appeal to the broader public, encouraging Filipinos to offer prayers and assistance in whatever form they can.

“We ask the entire nation to keep Mindanao in their prayers and, where able, to give in any way they can, because in moments of calamity, every act of kindness becomes part of the country’s healing,” they expressed.

They further said they will continue coordinating with relevant agencies and local officials to ensure aid reaches affected areas and supports both immediate relief and longer-term recovery efforts.

“We will continue to coordinate with the proper national and local authorities to support relief,