Cebu Quake: VP Sara Leads Relief Efforts; Airlines Offer Cargo Lifeline

Vice President Sara Duterte

Cebu Quake: VP Sara Leads Relief Efforts; Airlines Offer Cargo Lifeline

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | October 3, 2025

MEDELLIN, Cebu – As Cebu grapples with the aftermath of a magnitude 6.9 earthquake, Vice President Sara Duterte is spearheading relief efforts.

This comes as local airlines step up operations to provide crucial cargo support and ensure that vital supplies reach affected communities.

The earthquake, which hit several northern municipalities, has prompted a swift response from the Office of the Vice President (OVP), which has already delivered 2,000 relief boxes, 3,100 boxes of RIICE (Relief for Indigents and Individuals in Crises and Emergencies) assistance, and 1,500 kilograms of rice to families in Medellin, San Remigio, Bogo, Tabuelan, and Tabogon.

The provisions include essential food packs, potable water, hygiene kits, and non-food items.

“We ask God to grant comfort to those who have lost their loved ones and provide relief and strength to families holding together amid property loss and damage,” Duterte said during her visit to Medellin on Wednesday (Oct. 1, 2025).

Arriving in Cebu, she assured local leaders of the OVP’s support and ensured that aid reaches the most vulnerable population in the province.

The Vice President directed OVP Satellite Offices in the Panay-Negros Islands and Eastern Visayas to prepare and augment relief operations with more personnel and resources if needed.

The OVP is collaborating closely with local government units and community partners to prioritize aid distribution to remote and severely affected barangays.

Airlines Answer Call for Aid

Meanwhile, local airlines are transporting supplies to Cebu to help earthquake victims.

Cebu Pacific has announced it will accept cargo relief shipments destined for affected areas in the province.

Philippine Airlines, in partnership with LT Group Inc. and in coordination with government agencies and private sector partners, is also preparing to airlift basic necessities, including fresh drinking water and other essential supplies.

“These efforts will be undertaken within the capabilities of our available aircraft as we carry out humanitarian missions alongside our regular flight schedules,” the airline announced in a statement, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the people of Cebu “during this challenging time.”

AirAsia Philippines, under the leadership of President & CEO Suresh Bangah, has pledged its support for humanitarian missions traveling to Cebu.

“AirAsia Philippines stands in solidarity with the people of Cebu,” Bangah said.

“Heeding the call of Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, we are extending our full support to those traveling to Cebu for humanitarian missions,” he added.

In partnership with government agencies, non-government organizations, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, AirAsia is working to ensure the safe and timely transport of emergency medical teams and essential supplies.

“We hope to help speed up recovery, bring comfort, and rebuild lives,” Bangah said.