Following the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake that affected Northern Cebu, many communities are facing significant challenges not only in losing their homes but also in recovering their livelihood. In San Remigio, one of the affected areas, members of local livelihood groups are thinking of ways to recover.

Myrna and Her Community’s Livelihood

We met Myrna Rama, a member of a People’s Organization (PO) under the RAFI One to Tree (OTT) Program, during RAFI’s relief response in San Remigio. While her PO participates in reforestation activities through OTT, they also manage a separate community livelihood project, bangus (milkfish) aquaculture supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Myrna shared that this fish cage project was severely damaged during the recent earthquake.

Like many others in the area, Myrna’s home was heavily damaged, tilting to one side due to the earthquake. Despite this, she remains optimistic, saying, “Ang amoang balay nga natakilid, mao lang ang palig-onon” – “Our house may have tilted, but it can still be repaired.” For Myrna and others, the priority remains the wellbeing of their families, especially the children in their community.

The fish cage project, a key income source for their group, also sustained damage. Each cage can generate up to ₱100,000 per harvest cycle. At the time of the earthquake, one of the two cages had already started harvesting. The loss is both financial and emotional, as the project had grown to be an important part of their community’s daily life and collaboration.

“Napamahal na pud namo amoang kapunongan,” Myrna said, describing their attachment to the project and the shared effort behind it. Before the disaster, group members took turns feeding the fish up to four times a day and stayed up at night to monitor the cages. That routine has been disrupted, but the community remains closely connected and continues to support one another.

RAFI’s Ongoing Response: Dungan sa Pagbangon

In response to the disaster, RAFI has rolled out its Dungan sa Pagbangon campaign, an initiative to stand with the affected communities during a difficult time. Myrna is among the residents in San Remigio reached by RAFI’s efforts. 

RAFI’s humanitarian response follows three phases:

• Phase I Response – Distribution of food, water, non-food items, and psychological aid
• Phase II Recovery – Possible interventions on livelihood support, permanent shelter through materials/ vouchers
• Phase III Rehabilitation – Focused on possible interventions for school repairs and rebuilding

Coordination is ongoing with local government units, national agencies, and other partners to ensure support reaches the most affected and vulnerable communities.

How You Can Help

Myrna’s story is just one of many, and you can be part of this mission.

RAFI’s Cash Donation Hub remains open and is actively calling for support from local and international partners, organizations, and individual donors. Every donation will help provide non-food relief and long-term recovery for communities like San Remigio.

Take part because when everything is broken, community is what binds. Dungan sa Pagbangon!