Sen. Bong Go Mobilizes Assistance for Cebu Earthquake Victims
Sen. Bong Go extended emergency relief to communities hit by the powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu province, and pressed health authorities to address the urgent medical needs of those affected. The senator visited San Remigio, a municipality about 108 kilometers northwest of Cebu City, to assess damage and deliver aid as the province grapples with the disaster.
The earthquake, which struck on September 30, prompted a state of calamity declaration in Cebu as residents faced injuries, displacement, and disrupted daily life. Go emphasized that immediate medical attention is essential for those hurt in the tremor and called on national agencies to step up their response.
Call for Frontline Health Deployment
Speaking to local officials and residents, Go urged the Department of Health (DOH) to rapidly deploy frontline health workers to affected areas. He remarked in Filipino, “I appeal to the Department of Health to immediately deploy front liners. Let us help those who got hurt.” The aim, he said, is to ensure timely medical care, trauma support, and essential health services for quake victims.
Go also underscored the role of national agencies in restoring normalcy and supporting local authorities in the aftermath of the disaster. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported rising injuries, with numbers reaching 559, and highlighted that over 366,300 people (roughly 80,595 families) were affected in the province. This context frames the urgency of sustained health and humanitarian interventions.
PhilHealth and DOH: Delivering Health Care
Central to Go’s appeal is a reinforced commitment from the DOH and PhilHealth to maintain and expand health services for the quake-impacted population. He called on these agencies to ensure no Filipino is deprived of care due to the disaster, stressing that health coverage and benefits should be accessible to every affected resident.
“The DOH and PhilHealth must continue to deliver the health care needs of our people, especially the quake-hit victims,” he stated. The senator also pressed PhilHealth to ensure that members receive the full range of health programs to which they are entitled, reinforcing the importance of financial protection during emergencies.
Ongoing Efforts and the Path Forward
Beyond immediate medical needs, Go’s visit in Cebu highlights a broader agenda: coordinated relief operations, transparent distribution of aid, and robust health system support to communities in crisis. While relief supplies and shelter remain critical, access to medical care, mental health services, and preventive measures for aftershocks and potential complications are equally vital for long-term recovery.
Local officials in San Remigio and surrounding areas are working with national agencies to assess damages, restore essential services, and plan for rehabilitation. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters and the necessity of a resilient health infrastructure that can respond swiftly when crisis strikes.
As Cebu continues its recovery, the collaboration between lawmakers, health agencies, and regional authorities will be pivotal. The emphasis on frontline health deployment, comprehensive health coverage, and rapid aid distribution aims to minimize suffering and accelerate the return to normal life for thousands of residents affected by the tremor.
Go’s outreach reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that government help translates into tangible, timely benefits for those most in need. With continued coordination, the hope is that Cebu’s quake-affected communities will experience a steady improvement in health outcomes and overall resilience in the weeks ahead.
