A 31-year-old mother collapsed and died during the validation of financial assistance for Typhoon Tino at the Barangay Opao gym in Mandaue City.
Mary Christ Cuizon, a resident of Zone Talong, Barangay Paknaan, was declared dead on arrival at Mandaue City Hospital on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The validation activity involved beneficiaries from Barangays Paknaan, Umapad, and Opao, all of whom were gathered inside the gym.
According to her father, Jenniffer Cuizon, Mary Christ went to the gym to validate records for the P5,000 assistance provided by the City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after their house was partially damaged by the typhoon.
He said his daughter had fed her four children and prepared for the day as usual, with no visible signs of illness before leaving home.
While waiting during the validation process, Mary Christ collapsed.
People at the venue attempted resuscitation before she was transported to the hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.
Her father said Mary Christ had been experiencing recurring weakness since giving birth to her fourth child six months ago and usually required rest and minor first aid in previous episodes.
He also raised concerns over the delay in the arrival of emergency medical assistance, noting that the ambulance took nearly 30 minutes to reach her.
Cuizon appealed to local officials, including Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano, Congresswoman Emmarie Ouano-Dizon, and Barangay Opao Captain Nixon Dizon, to release closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the gym during the incident.
He said the recordings could help clarify who provided assistance and whether proper medical attention was given promptly.
“The aking hangyo nila Mayor, Cong., ug Kap nga ipakita ang CCTV kung kinsa nga personnel ang nagpabaya ug niingon nga gipatol akong anak. Kung gipatol man gani, nganong wala may first aid?” Cuizon said.
He emphasized that regardless of the cause of the collapse, immediate emergency care should have been provided.
The family is seeking clarity and accountability over the events leading to Mary Christ’s death.
Proud Bisaya Bai sought comment from the Mandaue CSWS and DSWD, but both offices declined to issue a statement.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on told reporters that the city is still awaiting the official incident report. (VCL)
