A week after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu – rattling homes, roads, and claiming lives – something remains unshaken: the heart of the Cebuanos.
In a moment where fear and uncertainty could have taken over, kindness, compassion and the quiet strength of the Cebuanos rose above it all. This is not just a story of survival. This is a story of people looking out for each other, despite the weight of loss on their shoulders.
At A Glance
Gratitude amid Cebu Earthquake Aftermath
All over northern Cebu, you’ll see them: children and individuals holding handmade “Salamat sa tabang” signs. Snacks, delicacies, and even coconut offered to passing responders, volunteers and other individuals alike.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Daily News. All credits go to the owners of each photo.
They don’t have much, but they give what they can with a smile. It’s their way of saying: “We see you. We thank you. We’re in this together.”
This is the Cebuano spirit: even when they’ve lost so much, they still find ways to give.
The Power of Small Acts
In times of crisis, it’s the small gestures that leave the biggest impact. A free bottle of water on a hot day. A warm “salamat” when help arrives. A warm hug, or a hand to the affected individuals.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Daily News and GR Travel and Tours Services. All credits go to the owners of each photo.
These moments may not make headlines, but they’re what community looks like.
In the face of collapsed homes and cracked roads, Cebuanos continue to show up for each other. There is no waiting for miracles. Instead, they become each other’s miracle, quietly, humbly, powerfully.
Dungan sa Pagbangon
Rebuilding won’t happen overnight. The road ahead is long. But there is hope in every corner, not just from government and NGOs, but from the people themselves.
Picture this: a boat filled with different people, each holding their own paddle. When they realize they’re rowing in the same direction; toward healing, toward home, progress begins. Not alone, but together.
At RAFI, this is what we believe in. We believe that everyone has a part to play. That even the smallest effort, may it be a donation, a prayer, or a shared meal, can ripple outward and make a difference.
We are reminded of a truth that guides us every day, that when we paddle together with hope in our hearts and strength in our hands, we will reach the shore to rebuild and rise once again.
This earthquake has left a mark on Cebu. But it has also revealed the strength of its people. It is masked in the goodwilled intentions, the smiles amidst adversity and in the initiatives that came after the disaster.
This proves that Cebu stands, not just on concrete grounds but on compassion, resilience, and love. No earthquake can shake that.
