The Cebu Earthquake Aftermath: A Display of Solidarity

Thousands came together to create donation drives, raising funds for food and shelter for the Cebu earthquake victims. 

But instead of simply dropping them off for government officials to deliver, they drove to northern Cebu to personally distribute the donated items themselves.

It was a heartwarming scene for many—a positive twist to a rather bleak tragedy. These stories highlight the solidarity that is innate in many Cebuanos. 

VOICES BEHIND THE STORIES

• Mariel Ando – “Show up for others during difficult times.”

Mariel, a Fulfillment Team Lead based in Cebu City, was attending a beauty pageant at the Radisson Blu when the earthquake struck. She described the moment as a “truly traumatic experience.”  

“Since we were on the second floor of the hotel, my immediate thought was to get downstairs as quickly and safely as possible. It all happened so fast,” she said in an interview.

She was able to evacuate the premises along with other attendees of the event.

Upon seeing the earthquake aftermath, she thought about joining a relief operation at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. But after hearing rumors that goods weren’t being properly distributed, she decided to take a more direct approach. 

“I organized a donation drive with the help of my sister and friends, who were all eager to contribute. We wanted to make sure that the relief goods reached the people directly, so we personally traveled to the affected areas in the north to deliver them,” she said.

As she arrived in the north, Mariel noticed victims camping out on the streets. She recalls how they would gather around every vehicle passing by, hoping it was carrying relief supplies. 

The care packages included essential items such as rice, bottled water, canned goods, and other ready-to-eat food, which provided northern Cebu residents immediate relief. 

“It was a humbling experience. Seeing how much people appreciated even the smallest help made me realize how important it is to show up for others during difficult times.” 

• Monica Moncada – “Whatever I have, no matter how small, I give.”

Another generous donor was Monica, a Content Writer from a Cebu City-based web development company. She was working at her office when the earthquake happened on September 30. 

“I thought it was just a soft shaking, but it suddenly grew more intense. Honestly, I just blacked out, and I was really scared, especially since the office was full of glass.” 

Monica and her coworkers were eventually evacuated from the building and sent home to have their building checked. 

After learning about the situation in the north, Monica felt a sense of pity toward the victims. This convinced her to help out in whatever small way she could.

“I instantly thought, ‘What if I was in their position?’ I’d feel hopeless. I wouldn’t know what to do. So whatever I have, no matter how small, I give to victims to lessen their hardships.” 

Like Mariel, Monica also traveled north, particularly to Daanbantayan, where she had extended family. She mentioned that the roads and a few houses were damaged as a result of the quake, and access to basic essentials was sparse.

“They couldn’t easily get out because they were afraid of the aftershocks, and there was so much traffic in Bogo City. Plus, nearby stores were closed and the fear of leaving their family really affected them.” 

She noticed that residents, especially from gated communities, stayed outside searching for supplies. They built tents from tarpaulins, blankets, and sleeping mats while waiting for relief goods to arrive.

There was a need for essential items for newborn babies in the town, so she and her friends raised funds for milk formulas, biscuits, and diapers. The rest of the money was spent on ingredients for pancit, which they distributed to families in the town proper.

Additionally, she used her knowledge of psychological first aid to listen and make space for the victims’ emotions. 

She recalls experiencing heavy emotions upon seeing the victims, but she was happy to be one of the many donors that took the time to help. 

“It was difficult to watch, especially when you see kids and the elderly struggling, but it does give a sense of relief knowing many went out of their way to help.” 

“KALUOY UG PAGBALOS” (COMPASSION AND GRATITUDE)