Cebu: In the wake of a devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces on September 30, Catholic aid agencies, dioceses, and local authorities have mobilized swiftly to provide relief, shelter, and hope to thousands affected by the disaster. The epicenter, located 19 kilometers northeast off Bogo City, triggered more than 300 aftershocks, forcing many residents to sleep outdoors in unsafe conditions.
According to the Office of Civil Defense, the quake claimed 68 lives and impacted over 80,595 families, totaling around 366,360 individuals. In the hardest-hit areas, 1,795 people were housed in evacuation centers, while 75,227 others stayed outside their homes due to fear of further tremors. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued tsunami warnings and reported that the quake in Bogo City was the strongest ever recorded in northern Cebu, displacing over 20,000 residents.
At the forefront of relief efforts is Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian and development arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Jeanie Curiano, head of humanitarian operations, affirmed the Church’s commitment: “We stand with the people of Cebu, supporting them in rebuilding lives with dignity and hope.” Relief operations have begun with the distribution of rice, drinking water, and shelter repair kits, while rapid assessment teams evaluate ongoing needs.
The earthquake also caused significant damage to religious structures, with at least five churches partially collapsed or severely damaged. The centuries-old Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan lost portions of its structure, though the retablo of the patron saint remained unharmed. Other churches, including Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol on Bantayan Island, St. Martin de Porres Parish in Tabogon, San Sebastian Martyr Parish in Borbon, and San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San Remegio, suffered damage to walls, ceilings, bell towers, and sacred images. In response, Archbishop Alberto Sy Uy of Cebu instructed parishes to suspend Masses until the buildings are deemed safe and ordered structural inspections across northern Cebu.
Immediate humanitarian needs are extensive: emergency shelter, food, clean water, medical care, trauma support, restoration of utilities, and debris clearance. Archbishop Uy personally visited affected communities on October 1, offering pastoral support and assessing damage, while local dioceses launched appeals to aid recovery. Caritas Philippines is preparing an emergency appeal through the Alay Kapwa Solidarity Fund, targeting the most vulnerable communities.
The laity of the Archdiocese of Cebu has also been actively involved, distributing food, water, and hygiene kits. Fe Mantuhac Barino, Chairperson of the Commission on the Laity, remarked: “People’s donations bring not just material support but also the comforting presence of our faith community.”
To strengthen humanitarian support, the Archdiocese, in partnership with LH Foundation Inc., launched “Hatag Paglaum” (Give Hope), a campaign emphasizing solidarity and Christ’s presence in times of need. Archbishop Uy noted: “When we give help, we do not just share food, clothing, or money; we share Christ himself, our true hope.”
The disaster has drawn attention from national and international leaders. On October 2, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited affected areas and met with government agencies to coordinate relief efforts. Pope Leo XIV, through Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown, offered prayers and condolences, expressing spiritual closeness to the grieving communities. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has also declared a National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance on October 7, uniting the faithful in prayer for the victims and survivors.
As rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts continue, the Church remains a beacon of hope in Cebu, demonstrating the power of faith, solidarity, and compassion in the aftermath of one of the region’s strongest earthquakes in recorded history.