Senator Bong Go Extends Aid to Cebu Earthquake Victims
In the wake of a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that rattled Cebu on September 30, Senator Bong Go personally visited San Remigio, a municipality roughly 108 kilometers northwest of Cebu City, to assist affected communities. The province is currently under a state of calamity, and Go emphasized the urgency of meeting the health needs of those impacted by the disaster.
Calling for Immediate Health Interventions
During his visit, Go urged frontline medical teams to be deployed promptly by the Department of Health (DOH). “I appeal to the Department of Health to immediately deploy front liners. Let us help those who got hurt,” he said, highlighting the immediate need for medical care and trauma assistance for quake survivors.
Go also emphasized the importance of cross-agency coordination. He previously urged government bodies to work together to restore normalcy and ensure that essential services resume quickly in the affected areas. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that injuries had risen to 559, while more than 366,300 individuals — about 80,595 families — had been affected by the disaster.
PhilHealth and DOH: Ensuring Health Coverage for Victims
Beyond emergency response, Go stressed that health systems must continue delivering essential care to the quake victims. He specifically called on the DOH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to address the medical needs of the injured and to streamline medical benefits for those in affected communities.
“The DOH and PhilHealth must continue to deliver the health care needs of our people, especially the quake-hit victims,” Go said. He underscored the importance of ensuring that PhilHealth members can access the full spectrum of health programs they are entitled to, aiming to prevent gaps in coverage during the crisis period.
A Call for Sustained Support and Collaboration
Go’s appeals come at a time when Cebu and its residents face ongoing challenges in recovery and relief operations. The earthquake disrupted housing, infrastructure, and local services, creating an urgent demand for health screenings, trauma care, and chronic disease management for those with existing conditions. The senator’s visit to San Remigio demonstrates a commitment to frontline relief work and a broader push for systemic health support from national agencies.
What This Means for Affected Communities
For residents in Cebu, the emphasis on rapid medical deployment, comprehensive health services, and clear benefits through PhilHealth is expected to translate into better access to care, reduced stress on local clinics, and a more coordinated response from national authorities. While relief efforts continue, the focus on health ensures that the most vulnerable, including the elderly and those with preexisting medical issues, receive timely attention.
Looking Ahead
As Cebu works toward rehabilitation, continued oversight and collaboration between the government, health agencies, and local communities will be essential. The situation remains dynamic, with the health sector playing a pivotal role in preventing secondary complications and supporting long-term recovery. Senator Go’s advocacy for frontliners, DOH deployment, and PhilHealth coverage seeks to fortify the disaster response framework and safeguard the well-being of quake victims.
