Efforts to rebuild communities in northern Cebu are gaining momentum as the provincial government prepares to roll out financial assistance to families affected by last year’s earthquake and Typhoon Tino.
The proposed aid, amounting to P10,000 per family, is awaiting approval from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through a trust fund that will finance the initiative.
Initial figures from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office showed that around 14,200 families were affected by Typhoon Tino, while at least 10,500 families suffered damage due to the earthquake.
Despite the delay in releasing cash assistance, authorities said groundwork for recovery is already underway.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces confirmed that the proposal has been submitted and is pending legislative approval.
“Na-endorse naman na two weeks ago during the PDC Execomm. Once ma-approved na, naa sa Trust Fund ang atong financial assistance for the earthquake and Typhoon Tino,” Empaces said.
He said the financial support will undergo validation to ensure only qualified beneficiaries receive assistance.
“Financial assistance rana, subject for validation. Once ma-approved, ma-release na namo within the second quarter,” he added.
The planned aid distribution forms part of “Kumbati Cebu,” the province’s rehabilitation program aimed at addressing immediate and long-term recovery needs.
The initiative was launched following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30, 2025, and the impact of Typhoon Tino on November 4 of the same year.
Under the framework, the Provincial Rehabilitation and Recovery Council has been tasked to oversee and coordinate rebuilding efforts across affected areas.
While cash assistance is still pending, infrastructure rehabilitation is already progressing, particularly in damaged roads and bridges.
“In terms of bridges and roads, na-roll out na. Expectedly mahuman na around June. Ongoing na gyud almost tanan,” he shared.
Empaces said local officials have started to see visible improvements as repair works continue.
“Kung adto ka sa site, makita na gyud. Naay mga mayor nagpasalamat nga nasugdan na gyud ug paayo ang mga kalsada ug bridges,” he added.
Preparations are also underway for the reconstruction of school facilities, with bidding processes ongoing and construction expected to follow.
Temporary learning spaces will be prioritized for quick assembly, with plans to convert them into permanent facilities later.
Coordination with national agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Education, remains part of the recovery efforts to ensure alignment and efficiency.
Authorities are targeting completion of a significant portion of the rehabilitation between July and August, with progress assessments scheduled after the second quarter.
Earlier estimates placed the cost of rebuilding earthquake-hit areas in northern Cebu at P19.28 billion, excluding additional damages caused by Typhoon Tino.
Records also showed 79 fatalities from the earthquake and 139 deaths attributed to the typhoon.
Separate resolutions have also been filed before the Provincial Board authorizing Governor Pamela Baricuatro to release the P10,000 aid to families whose homes were totally damaged.
The measure, authored by Board Member Stanley Caminero, aims to provide immediate financial relief to displaced residents still recovering from the disasters. (SBA)
File photo: Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
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