Capitol unveils recovery plan

Another P20 million is earmarked for disaster equipment, P20 million for vehicles, P10 million for food assistance, and P20 million for house repairs.

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According to Emperas, the provincial government wants the recovery efforts to go beyond immediate relief. “Nakita naman nga dali ‘ta nakabangon. But what we need now is how to keep the pace,” he said.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro has set an ambitious target: the bulk of recovery and rehabilitation must be completed by mid-2026, with major infrastructure projects like roads expected to be restored by the end of next year and bridge construction to begin by June 2026.

The governor emphasized that northern Cebu must resume its economic and social operations as soon as possible.

Empaces noted that the five towns most affected by the earthquake — Borbon, Tabogon, Bogo, Medellin, and San Remigio — will be the priority areas for #KumbatiCebu. Temporary shelter remains a pressing concern, while the provincial governments still planning for organized reloc:

Empaces said the Capitol wants displaced families to stay close to their original communities. “Para maka-reconstruct sila sa ilang kinabuhi, magamit nila ang tent for other purposes,” he explained.

‘The proposal also includes cash assistance ranging from P10,000 to P15,000 per family to support their temporary shelter needs.

This measure, officials said, would allow families to rebuild faster while also reducing their dependence on government-provided tents.

Beyond infrastructure, economic revival is central to the campaign. The Capitol is planning to rehabilitate public markets and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local chambers of commerce.