The Negros Occidental and Bacolod City governments are sending assistance to Cebu, where an earthquake Tuesday night tragically claimed 69 lives and displaced thousands of people.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Wednesday, Oct . 1, that they will assess which area in Cebu is most in need of help.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city government will provide P500,000 in aid for the Cebu earthquake victims, which he will discuss with the city council for approval.
The city is also considering launching a donation drive to assist in the delivery of aid from the private sector, Gasataya said.
Bacolod is also coordinating with Cebu officials to determine how donors may directly deposit financial aid , he added.
Efforts from the private sector are already underway. A relief team from the Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) arrived in Cebu on Wednesday afternoon.
NVC president Millie Kilayko said their team is delivering Mingo meals and stuffed toys to children affected by the disaster.
They will be supported by NVC’s ground partners in Cebu.
The Office of Civil Defense reported 69 dead, while the Cebu provincial government reported 293 injured. Thousands of residents remain displaced and are housed in evacuation centers.
A post on the Cebu provincial government’s Facebook page highlighted the spirit of cooperation, saying, “The Capitol is overflowing with volunteers, a powerful testament to the Cebuanos’ spirit of bayanihan (communal unity). However, the provincial government continues to accept other forms of aid — preferably hygiene kits and essential supplies.” *