A family's Mission to Help-Quake Aid Journey

On October 4 at around 9 am our eldest sibling made a decision — to help the victims of the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake that had struck parts of Northern Cebu. She messaged our siblings’ group chat, telling us that she wanted to donate and suggested that we all contribute. Without hesitation, everyone agreed.

We collectively decided that rather than just sending money or giving it to someone else, it would be better if we personally delivered the relief goods ourselves. That way, we could ensure that the donations would go directly to the people who were truly affected by the disaster. We knew this was a bigger effort, but our hearts were fully in it.

Preparing the Relief Goods

By around 11:00 AM, we started making our list and planned what items to buy. We focused on the essentials — bottled water and ready-to-eat food — since those are the most important in times of crisis. We wanted to give something that people could consume immediately, without the need for cooking or clean water.

When we got to the grocery store, it was already crowded. It was inspiring to see that so many others were also out shopping, preparing to give aid to the earthquake victims. The generosity of people was evident everywhere.

We finished shopping and headed back home. It was nearly 2:00 PM by the time we had our lunch because of how long the shopping took. After eating, we immediately began repacking the goods — separating food and water into individual packages so we could estimate how many families we would be able to help. This step took time and effort, but we knew how important it was to be organized.

A Change of Plans

Originally, we had agreed to leave early on October 5 at 4:00 AM, but we soon realized that we might run into traffic or delays along the way. To avoid that, we decided to leave earlier — at 10:00 PM on October 4. We also searched for alternate routes to get to Northern Cebu faster and more safely.

As planned, we departed at 10:00 PM. Since it was late at night, we drove slowly and carefully. The roads were quiet, and in some areas, there were no streetlights, making visibility difficult. We traveled in two vehicles — one carrying the food, and the other transporting the bottled water.

We made a few stops along the way to have coffee and keep ourselves awake. Safety was a priority, especially on such a long drive in the dark. Eventually, we arrived in San Remigio, one of the towns severely affected by the earthquake, at around 2:00 AM.

On the Ground in San Remigio

Upon reaching the town, we immediately noticed the damage. The roads were difficult to navigate, and many bridges had been damaged due to the quake. Thankfully, the local residents were incredibly helpful — they guided all the vehicles carrying donations, pointing out the safe paths to cross the bridges. Without their help, it would have been even more challenging to reach the communities in need.

As we entered the area, we saw people waiting along the roadsides, hoping that someone would stop and hand out food or water. It was a heartbreaking sight. Some of them looked exhausted, others anxious, but all were clearly hoping for relief.

We immediately began distributing the goods. There was no time to waste. We handed out the food and bottled water to as many people as we could. Seeing their gratitude — the smiles, the "thank yous," the sighs of relief — made all our efforts worth it. The tiredness from the long journey faded as we realized we were truly making a difference.

A Sleepless Night

After the distribution, we decided to rest for a while. The journey from Southern Cebu to Northern Cebu had taken us almost six hours, so we needed to recover. Just as we were settling down around 3:00 AM, we experienced a strong aftershock. It startled us, and once again, we were reminded of the reality that these people were living through every day.

Fearing for our safety, we decided not to sleep near buildings or trees, which could collapse or fall if another tremor occurred. We only managed to get about two hours of sleep, waking up again at around 5:00 AM.

We had a quick breakfast, then continued our journey, this time to Daanbantayan, the northernmost town in Cebu. There, we saw a church that had been severely damaged. The sight was heartbreaking — a symbol of hope and community, now cracked and broken.

Continuing the Mission

From Daanbantayan, we headed to Medellin, another town affected by the quake. Along the way, the scenes were similar: people standing by the roadside, waiting for help. You could see the sadness and fear in their faces. But what stood out even more was the hope — that someone would come and give them even just a little bit of help.

By mid-morning, we saw more and more vehicles arriving with donations. The roads were filled with people who came from different areas, bringing relief goods. It was a beautiful sight — proof that in times of need, people come together.

Despite the lack of sleep and the physical exhaustion, we didn’t feel tired. The joy of helping others and seeing their appreciation gave us the energy we needed. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about giving to others, especially those who are truly in need.

Gratitude and Reflection

We are thankful to God for keeping us safe during the trip to and from Northern Cebu. On the way home, we did experience heavy traffic, but it didn’t matter. Our hearts were full, knowing we had done something meaningful.

I am grateful that God used us as instruments to help those in need. I’m also thankful for everyone who donated and assisted us in this mission. We may not have been able to help everyone, but even touching a few lives means a lot.

We continue to pray for the victims — that they may heal, rebuild, and eventually return to normal. May they find strength and hope after such a difficult experience.

In the wake of disaster, every second counts and every act of kindness matters. Earthquakes may shake the ground beneath us, but it's our compassion, unity, and swift response that help rebuild lives. Whether it's through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, we all have a role to play. Let’s stand together, extend a helping hand, and be the steady ground for those who have lost theirs.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Until the next blog!

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