Davao city: The city government confirmed via the City Information Office (CIO) on Wednesday that it is sending aid to Cebu province, which was affected by a devastating earthquake. ‘Yes, we will send help to Cebu,’ the CIO said in a statement. While ground assessments are still ongoing, the city government has announced that Davao City 911 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, along with medical and psychosocial support personnel, are prepared for deployment.

According to Philippines News Agency, the announcement follows the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck near Bogo City, Cebu, on Tuesday night, with tremors also felt in the provinces of Leyte and Samar. The local government is coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Cebu for the deployment of the Davao USAR teams. ‘We are also preparing food items for the affected areas,’ the CIO added.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has launched a humanitarian initiative to collect donations from Davao Region for the victims of the earthquake. In a separate statement, Commodore Philipps Soria, CGDSEM commander, said the effort aims to gather essential relief goods and resources to support families and communities in urgent need. ‘CGDSEM is calling on partner agencies, stakeholders, and the general public to extend their generosity during this time of crisis,’ he said.

Soria encouraged donations of food packs, bottled water, hygiene kits, and other necessities. ‘Our bayanihan (solidarity) spirit is strongest in times of adversity. Through collective efforts, we can bring hope and immediate relief to our fellow citizens in Cebu who are facing this tragedy,’ he said.