The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted Cebu earlier this week has left an estimated ₱3 billion in damage to infrastructure, according to the provincial government’s report on Friday.
Cebu province information officer Ainjeliz Orong said the tremor damaged roads, bridges, ports, homes, and centuries-old churches. She cautioned that the figure could rise once the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) finalize their assessments.
Losses in the agriculture sector have yet to be tallied.
Cebu has so far received ₱380,000 in cash donations and in-kind support. While there are enough relief goods, Orong admitted that distribution remains slow due to distance, damaged local government facilities, and a lack of manpower.
“Some relief goods are still at drop-off points because many LGU staff are also quake-affected. That’s why the Capitol hopes to take over, with support from the national government and private groups,” Orong said in an interview.
She added that relief work is further complicated by the continuing aftershocks, limiting the number of volunteers who can be deployed on the ground without proper training.
Among Cebu’s urgent needs are clean drinking water and additional tents for displaced families.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has pledged at least ₱225 million for recovery efforts, including the establishment of a “tent city” for evacuees. Governor Pam Baricuatro has also sought the President’s assistance in restoring power across the province.