The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Central Visayas has called on donors and organizations to coordinate with authorities before distributing relief goods to ensure orderly and efficient delivery of goods to quake-affected communities.
OCD-Central Visayas Regional Director Joel Erestain emphasized that uncoordinated relief efforts could pose safety risks, particularly along major roads, and could result in uneven aid distribution.
Erestain sought for better cooperation after seeing some trucks stopping in the middle of the road to distribute relief goods, resulting in bad traffic that further delays other necessary services to the affected communities.
“We hope this can be done in a more orderly way,” he said. “Because those who also truly need help don’t get reached since they’re not on the roadside. And if aid is given only along the road, it might even cause accidents—especially on the highway.”
The OCD issued a public advisory urging donors to coordinate with the Incident Management Team (IMT) handling the response to the 6.9-magnitude Cebu earthquake. Donors may contact the IMT through 0926-327-6397.
“We encourage the public to coordinate with the Local Government Units affected or directly coordinate with the Incident Management Team/Incident Command Post located at the Bogo City Central Terminal,” the OCD said in a statement.
“We encourage the public to lessen the distribution in major thoroughfares to avoid traffic congestion or accidents.”
Erestain expressed gratitude to donors for their support and generosity, but reiterated the need for better coordination to ensure that relief efforts are systematic and reach all affected areas.
During the National Inter-agency Coordinating Cell (NIACC) meeting on Sunday, preparations for the establishment of a “Tent City” in Bogo City, a temporary relocation site for earthquake victims, were discussed.
Science agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), have provided hazard assessments to ensure safety. The MGB already shared its findings with local authorities and agencies tasked with implementing the “Tent City.”
In terms of health and medical response, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that medical stations will be set up at tent sites, with sanitation and hygiene included.
To ease the burden on affected residents, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) suspended housing amortization for victims of the earthquake and Tropical Cyclones Nando and Opong, starting October 3, 2025.
The DHSUD will also provide immediate assistance under its Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) to those whose homes were damaged.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that 110 infrastructures, including roads, government buildings, and schools, have been assessed in Masbate. In Cebu, 278 infrastructures—including bridges, government buildings, school facilities, and health centers—along with 123.02 kilometers of roads have been evaluated.
Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported that mobile network restoration in Masbate is ongoing, with DITO at 75%, Globe at 88%, and Smart at 50%. In Cebu, Globe’s restoration is complete, and both Smart and DITO have restored 98% of their services.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) also reported improved traffic conditions in Northern Cebu, with the Central Visayas regional office setting up checkpoints. The PNP will continue to assist the logistics cluster in establishing humanitarian checkpoints to expedite aid delivery.
As part of the ongoing donation drive, the Cebu Provincial Capitol will be designated as the central drop-off point for all private donations. The Central Visayas RDRRMC, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Visayas Command, will be implementing a logistical plan to ensure the organized delivery of aid.
The NIACC, managed by OCD, remains active with regular coordination meetings being conducted to ensure the needs of the calamity victims are addressed.
