By PCO
October 17, 2025
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed his gratitude to government agencies and private groups and individuals for their swift and compassionate assistance to families affected by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu, commending their vital role in relief and recovery efforts.
President Marcos returned to Bogo City and San Remigio, two of the areas hardest-hit by the earthquake, to check on the situation of affected residents and the progress of government assistance and recovery efforts.
The President said all displaced families are now in shelters where they are provided food, water and other basic services.
“Kaya ako ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng ating mga first responder, lahat ng ating mga volunteer, pati na ‘yung mga agencies of government at maganda naman ang naging response,” President Marcos said in his remarks at the Bogo Tent City.
“Siguro hindi naman tayo mapapahiya sa tao na sabi natin eh basta’t may pangangailangan eh nandiyan ang pamahalaan,” the President added.
The President also thanked the Philippine Red Cross led by its chairman Richard Gordon for its assistance in the temporary shelters.
“At kung makita ninyo, maraming tent dito galing talaga sa Red Cross, pati ‘yung mga relief goods nanggaling sa Red Cross. Ang bilis. After one day, nandito na si Chairman. Kaya naunahan ko lang ng one day,” President Marcos said.
The President also recognized the initiative of the Red Cross to set up a kids’ swimming pool in the tent cities.
“Parang maliit lang na bagay, pero hindi. Dahil ang mga bata, kahit paapano, talagang nayanig ang isip nila dahil sa lindol, tapos nawalan ng bahay, tapos lumipat dito. At least, nakita mo na tumatawa na naman, nagsisisigaw. Malaking bagay ‘yan para sa mental health ng ating mga kabataan,” the Chief Executive emphasized.
President Marcos commended the Red Cross, a global humanitarian organization, for its initiatives to assist earthquake victims.
“And that you can tell that Red Cross, talaga sanay na sanay sa ganitong klaseng trabaho. Iniisip pa lang namin, nagawa na nila. Kaya maraming salamat sa Red Cross,” said the President. | PND