JICA extends humanitarian support for quake-hit Cebu, turns over disaster relief to DSWD

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) turned over today the disaster relief goods to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the affected families of the 6.9 magnitude quake that Cebu. The support includes tents, sleeping pads, plastic sheets, portable jerry cans, blankets, and water purifiers, aimed to bring comfort to families in evacuation centers and temporary shelters.

The earthquake that struck off the coast of Bogo City on September 30, 2025 claimed at least 75 lives, injured nearly 600 people, and forced thousands of families from their homes. The Philippine News Agency reported that DSWD has already distributed more than 225,000 family food packs and deployed modular tents and mobile kitchens to assist affected communities. JICA’s donation complements these government efforts by helping ease their situation and protect the health and dignity of those displaced by the earthquake.

JICA Philippines Chief Representative, BABA Takashi said in a statement, “More than an act of emergency relief, this initiative is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to support the development of the Filipino people. In times of need, Japan will always be here to support you.”

Present during the event were Governor of the Province of Cebu Pamela S. Baricuatro, Regional Director of DSWD Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya.

Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) is one of the components of JICA’s operations in partner countries to respond to disasters and support recovery efforts. In the Philippines, JICA provided essential disaster assistance through JDR as early as the earthquake in Baguio in 1990. More recently, JDR also responded to major disasters such as during Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, Typhoon Odette in 2021, North Luzon Earthquake in 2022, and Mindoro Island oil spill in 2023.