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SVD missionaries, seminarians, faculty and alumni from the University of San Carlos, teachers, Crusaders, DYRF Radio staff, doctors, nurses, and other relief workers.

SVD Task Force Mobilizes Rapid Relief in Northern Cebu After Devastating Earthquake

Richard Quadros, SVD


In the wake of the magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on October 10, 2025 killing at least ten people and flattening infrastructure,
the SVD Task Force mounted a swift relief operation in Northern Cebu.

By October 13, the task force had dispatched aid into six hard-hit localities: Tabuelan (Barangays Dalid and Kantubaon), Borbon, Medellin, Gibitngil Island, and Daanbantayan. Despite the earthquake’s early-morning timing—around 1:00 a.m.—missionary and volunteer teams pressed ahead with urgency.

A fleet of 26 vehicles, comprising trucks, fire engines, pickups, and vans, transported roughly 150 volunteers. The contingent included SVD missionaries, seminarians, faculty and alumni from the University of San Carlos, teachers, Crusaders, DYRF Radio staff, doctors, nurses, and other relief workers. Over the course of the mission, the team distributed aid to 3,650 families.

Volunteers preparing the relief goods for affected families.
Volunteers of SVD mission operation after earthquake.
Affected families receive relief goods from SVD task force.
SVD missionaries, seminarians, faculty and alumni from the University of San Carlos, teachers, Crusaders, DYRF Radio staff, doctors, nurses, and other relief workers.

Operations were divided among specialized units focusing on relief delivery, medical assistance, and psychological first aid. Each unit worked in close coordination with local officials and community groups. According to SVD representatives, beyond providing immediate support, the effort aimed to rebuild connections, restore hope, and strengthen community resilience.

Meanwhile, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the nation continued to experience seismic unrest. In the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday, five quakes struck with magnitudes ranging from 4.8 to 5.5. Fortunately, no injuries, damage, or tsunami warnings were immediately reported.

Still, the region is grappling with the aftermath of last week’s violent tremors, which triggered landslides, caused hospitals to evacuate, and inflicted widespread damage to schools and infrastructure.

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