Just hours after the powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu, South Cotabato became the first local government unit (LGU) outside Cebu to respond. Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., who also serves as President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), immediately ordered the preparation of relief operations and mobilized a medical team to provide urgent aid to quake-hit communities.
Governor Tamayo personally led the mission, accompanied by three (3) doctors, seven (7) nurses, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) officer. Taking the first available flight from General Santos City, the team arrived in Bogo City by 9:00 p.m. and proceeded to Medellin, one of the most severely affected towns near the quake’s epicenter.
In a Facebook post, the Governor confirmed their arrival and reaffirmed South Cotabato’s solidarity with the people of Cebu. The PDRRMO also reported that two truckloads of relief goods from the people of South Cotabato are already on their way to provide additional assistance.
“This swift response is proof of our commitment to stand with our fellow Filipinos in their time of need,” Gov. Tamayo said, stressing that both prayers and concrete action are vital in helping communities recover from disasters.
As LPP President, Governor Tamayo emphasized that South Cotabato’s rapid action demonstrates the importance of united provincial leadership, reflecting the bayanihan spirit that binds LGUs during national emergencies.
According to initial reports, the massive earthquake has left at least 69 people dead, injured many others, and caused extensive damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure in Cebu and nearby provinces. Search, rescue, and recovery operations are still ongoing.
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