International aid converges on Davao Oriental and Cebu after back-to-back earthquakes
The Philippines is receiving a broad show of international support as rescue and relief efforts pick up pace following two strong earthquakes that struck Mindanao and the Visayas in rapid succession. Governments and global organizations have mobilized resources to assist the government in Davao Oriental and Cebu, where communities are still grappling with displacement, damaged homes, and disrupted livelihoods.
United States strengthens relief with food and shelter
U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson announced that the United States is providing about 137,000 family food packs and 500 emergency shelter kits. These supplies, coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), are intended to supplement ongoing assessments of urgent needs in Davao Oriental. “My heart goes out to all those affected by the Mindanao earthquake and recent natural disasters,” Carlson said on X (formerly Twitter), signaling Washington’s commitment to Philippines-wide recovery efforts.
Japan and EU mobilize essential relief and funding
Japan’s ambassador, Endo Kazuya, voiced solidarity as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delivers emergency relief goods, including tents, blankets, plastic sheets, sleeping pads, portable jerry cans, and water purifiers. “In this moment of uncertainty, Japan stands with the Filipino people with hope, strength, and solidarity,” Endo remarked on X, underscoring regional cooperation in disaster response.
The European Union has also stepped forward, with a broader note of support and immediate funding. EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro highlighted ongoing assessments of the situation in the Davao region after contributing €750,000 (over P50 million) for Cebu’s quake response, part of the EU’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) managed through the IFRC. Of this package, €250,000 was earmarked to help the Philippine Red Cross deliver cash assistance, tents, and household items to affected families. “We express our solidarity with the people of Davao hit by an earthquake this morning,” Santoro stated, emphasizing EU-Philippine resilience partnerships.
Australia, Canada, New Zealand offer words and deeds of support
Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown commended the Philippines’ response and resilience as rescuers and authorities press on with relief operations. He said: “Our thoughts are with those affected by the earthquakes in the Davao region,” framing Australia’s support within a broader regional humanitarian effort. Canadian and New Zealand ambassadors—David Hartman and Dr. Catherine McIntosh, respectively—also extended condolences to Cebu and other Visayas provinces, reaffirming readiness to coordinate with Philippine agencies and humanitarian partners to meet urgent needs.
United Nations readiness to assist
The United Nations signaled its preparedness to dispatch aid to Davao Oriental if requested. UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral noted that relevant UN agencies are ready to collaborate with the government to provide needed support, aligning with the country’s national relief strategy and ongoing disaster response planning.
Context: the scope of the crisis
Quakes have impacted Cebu and Davao regions, with Davao Oriental experiencing magnitudes 7.4 and 6.9 on consecutive days, followed by a 4.8-magnitude aftershock. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) places the affected at roughly 74,649 families or 91,224 people, with seven confirmed fatalities. Across multiple agencies and partners, humanitarian groups are coordinating to scale up shelter, food, cash assistance, and essential supplies as aftershocks continue to pose risks to survivors.
Looking ahead
As the region stabilizes, the joint efforts of governments, international organizations, and local partners will shape the recovery timeline. The cooperation signals a sustained international presence, with ongoing assessments guiding where aid is most needed. For affected communities, this means continued access to basic necessities, safer shelters, and the support required to rebuild homes and livelihoods in the months ahead.
