Days after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Northern Cebu, local government agencies quickly mobilized immediate relief and rescue operations. Across the province, the Cebu Provincial Government, Cebu City Government, and other local and regional offices have been working to provide food, water, and essential supplies to affected families.
Alongside these relief efforts, search and retrieval operations continue, while teams conduct damage assessments, validations, and accounting of affected households and individuals. It is within this coordinated response that the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) has also activated its response mechanisms to complement and support ongoing operations.
RAFI’s Relief Approach
RAFI’s disaster response is anchored on the belief that collaboration saves more lives. By working hand in hand with the local government units (LGUs) and relevant agencies, a more coordinated, efficient, and unified response can be achieved, ensuring that aid reaches the communities who need it most, at the right time.
The first step in RAFI’s response is the activation of its Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Through this, RAFI has engaged with emergency response networks and government partners to collect data on the ground and assess the most urgent needs of affected families. The RAFI EOC is working closely with the Cebu Provincial Government, municipal LGUs, and partner organizations to ensure that all efforts are aligned and informed by real-time data.
To guarantee a systematic and needs-based response, the EOC has been mobilizing resources, coordinating information flow, and gathering post-disaster assessments in affected areas. These efforts are done in close coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to strengthen the overall relief operation.
Transitioning to the Next Phase of Response
RAFI’s role in the ongoing relief mission continues to move forward. In alignment of the government-led Phase I operations (Day 1–7), which focus on immediate food and water relief, RAFI will take an active part in Phase II. This phase centers on non-food item distribution such as shelter kits, tents and tarpaulins, sleeping kits, hygiene kits, and newborn and toddler kits.
This next phase aims to address the sustained needs of displaced families as they navigate the early days of recovery and rebuilding. By supplementing government support, RAFI seeks to ensure that no community is left behind in the relief process.
Standing with Northern Cebu
RAFI understands the deep sense of loss and uncertainty that many Cebuanos are facing in times of a disaster. We stand in solidarity with all affected communities, committed to walking beside them through this difficult time.
Our mission goes beyond providing relief, it is about restoring hope, honoring the dignity of survivors, and ensuring that every act of compassion translates into meaningful recovery.
Together with our partners, volunteers, and the unwavering spirit of bayanihan, RAFI remains to be present, responsive, and ready to serve where help is needed most. #DunganSaPagbangon
