The recent Northern Cebu earthquake has once again revealed the true spirit of bayanihan. In moments of crisis, Cebuanos come together, ready to extend help, share what they can, and stand by one another.

Over the past days, there has been an overwhelming surge of donation drives and the rush to deliver necessities. While these actions come from genuine compassion and good intentions, uncoordinated efforts can sometimes lead to additional challenges for responders and affected families.

If you’re a concerned citizen who wants to help, here are five meaningful ways to make a difference:

1. Coordinate with Local Authorities and Accredited Organizations

Before extending help, coordinate your intent to donate with local government units, barangay officials, or accredited humanitarian organizations. This ensures that your efforts align with official relief operations and uphold safety and order.

The Cebu Provincial Government has set up receiving tents at the Heritage Plaza, Capitol Compound where all in-kind and cash donations are properly listed and accounted for, ensuring that every contribution reaches those who need it most.

2. Support Verified and Organized Relief Operations

Join or contribute to organized relief drives that have verified data on affected households and their needs. Coordinated efforts make sure that aid is distributed efficiently and equitably.

You may send your donations to the following official drop-off points for proper coordination and distribution:

SOGOD

• Municipal Hall (along the national highway)
  **Look for the Operations Center / Municipal Social Welfare Office

BORBON

• Rizal Park (in front of the Municipal Hall); Pass through Sagay-Bongoyan-Poblacion Road
• Contact: Roglin (MSWDO) – 0915 199 4060

TABUELAN

• Municipal Hall
• Contact: Mr. Vincent Comeros – 0956 077 0825

TABOGON

• Municipal Gymnasium, Poblacion; Pass through Ilihan-Poblacion Road (4-wheeled vehicles only)
• Contact: Mayor Francis Salimbangon, Charlene Joy “ChaCha,” Roel Rey Fuentes Dichos

 TUBURAN

• Covered Court, Poblacion 4
  
  **Note: Signal is limited, and some roads remain damaged. Please proceed directly to the Municipal Gym. LGU staff will assist.

MEDELLIN

• All roads and bridges are now passable
• Contact: Giles Anthony Villamor – 0917 307 6656

SAN REMIGIO

• Drop-off point behind the Sports Complex
• Contact: MSWDO Claire Daitol – 0917 306 5029

BOGO CITY

• City Hall

Reminder: The public is urged to refrain from going directly to affected barangays to ensure safety and fair distribution of relief goods.

3. Follow Guidelines for In-Kind Donations

If you wish to give in-kind donations, please follow the official guidelines set by response agencies. Take note of what types of goods are most needed and ensure proper packaging and labeling so that your contributions can be distributed quickly, efficiently, and safely.

4. Send Cash Donations to Trusted Organizations

Cash donations remain the fastest and most flexible way to help. They allow trusted organizations to purchase exactly what is needed on the ground and respond swiftly to changing needs.

5. Share Only Verified Information and Updates

In times of disaster, accurate information saves lives. Help stop misinformation by sharing only verified updates from official government channels and credible organizations. Responsible information-sharing supports coordinated relief efforts and helps keep communities safe and informed.

Standing Strong Together

In these trying times, the earthquake may have shaken our ground, but it will never shake the unity and compassion of the Cebuanos. These enduring traits are powerful forces that drive relief, recovery, and rebuilding.

The road ahead may be challenging, but with our shared goal of helping one another rise, and through everyone’s collective effort, we will rebuild; stronger, together.

Because no earthquake can ever shake a Cebuano’s strength and spirit.

#DungansaPagbangon