Tag:

natural calamity

10ID deploys 69 troops, assets for earthquake response in GenSan, Mindanao areas

by Rhoda Grace Saron June 8, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 10TH Infantry Division mobilized 69 personnel, along with a fleet of military vehicles and drones, to launch Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) following a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that shook parts of Mindanao on Monday, June 8.

According to Major Ruben Gadute, the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, the disaster response teams were drawn from multiple units under the division, including the 27th Infantry Battalion, 28th Infantry Battalion, Task Force GENSAN, the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, and the 10th Emergency Response Company.

The mobilized troops were sent to affected communities to assist with critical search and rescue, damage assessment, and route-clearing operations.

To maximize the efficiency of the rescue and assessment efforts, the 10ID deployed 16 military trucks to transport relief and equipment, alongside three drones utilized for rapid aerial damage assessment in hard-to-reach areas.

Major General Alvin Luzon, 10ID commander, confirmed that troops are already actively operating on the ground, particularly in General Santos City and surrounding areas, to ensure public safety.

“Our troops, particularly those under Task Force GENSAN and the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, are already on the ground conducting disaster response and rescue operations in support of affected communities,” Luzon said.

The military commander added that the division is working in close lockstep with civilian and emergency management agencies to streamline the relief grid.

“In close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense, local government units, and partner agencies, we remain committed to helping ensure the safety and welfare of our fellow Mindanaoans during this challenging time,” Luzon added.

The 10ID stated that all frontline units in the region remain on heightened alert as they continue to monitor the situation on the ground and provide sustained humanitarian assistance to the affected localities.

June 8, 2026 0 comments

News

Double whammy

by Rhoda Grace Saron June 8, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

Davao Convention Center blazes as strong quake causes chaos

EMERGENCY responders were stretched thin as they faced a twin crisis on Monday morning, June 8, battling a massive structural fire at the iconic Davao Convention and Trade Center along F. Torres Street just as a powerful Magnitude 7.8 earthquake threw the region into panic.

The fire, which rapidly escalated to a critical third alarm, drew a heavy contingent of firefighters before being officially declared a “fire out” at 12:30 p.m.

According to Fire Senior Inspector (FSINSP) Frances Marie S. Sendrijas, chief of the Public Information Unit of the Davao City Fire District, first responders immediately choked off the flames, preventing the blaze from leaping to adjacent commercial buildings.

The fire district has yet to release the estimated damage from the incident.

BFP arson investigators are investigating the scene to determine whether the fire was sparked by electrical surges related to the earthquake or triggered by an independent cause.

The emergency coincided with widespread seismic activity across Mindanao, as a Magnitude 7.8 earthquake centered in Maasim, Sarangani/General Santos City struck the island, disrupting local power grids and triggering widespread evacuations.

Philvocs reported an Intensity V earthquake in Davao City, which nonetheless was strong enough to force the local government to suspend the first day of classes for public schools.

Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and city rescue teams had to balance earthquake protocols while actively suppressing the fast-moving structural blaze.

As of Monday afternoon, the Office of the City Building Official reported no major structural damage to structures in Davao City. Nonetheless, the local government urged businesses to inspect and coordinate with city engineers for a more thorough audit of their buildings to ensure the safety of the occupants.

Photo by RY Llanes

June 8, 2026 0 comments

Community

FedEx team members come together to drive community impact Across Asia Pacific

by Contributor March 10, 2026

written by Contributor

MANILA, Philippines — Demonstrating unwavering commitment to community support, over 900 team members from Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, dedicated over 750 volunteer hours to collect and donate nearly 2,500 kilograms (over 5,500 pounds) of essential supplies for those in need, representing a 13% increase in volunteer participation compared to the previous year.

These efforts have benefited over 350 individuals, including young children, the elderly, and underserved groups, through collaboration with more than 15 non-profit organizations (NGOs).

These donations of supplies were made as part of the annual FedEx Cares Purple Tote Campaign, which ran between October and December 31, 2025, to empower FedEx team members to see their impact and support the NGOs they value most in their local communities.

FedEx volunteers from 10 markets in the region, including Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, took part in the program.

This year, FedEx team members once again united across the region, forming teams of various sizes. The team members ensured the contributions made a meaningful difference and included supporting children with leukaemia, providing educational supplies, and assisting families and individuals impacted by natural disasters. Each team worked with their chosen charities, gathering essential items such as packaged food, books, toys, winter clothing, and hygiene kits.

In the Philippines, more than 50 FedEx team members volunteered their time to donate household supplies and hygiene essentials to the residents of the Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Elderly.

“Seeing our team members come together to make a meaningful impact in our communities is truly inspiring. Each Purple Tote bag represents not only essential support, but also the care and compassion that define our people. Initiatives like this strengthen our connection with the local communities and foster a strong culture of volunteerism across our team,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Philippines.

As part of FedEx Cares, team members around the globe are encouraged to come together by volunteering and participating in countless acts of service throughout the year. Every year, FedEx Cares promotes charitable giving, employee volunteer efforts, and in-kind shipping services that help support the communities where team members live and work.

In FY25, FedEx globally contributed $55.5 million to nonprofit initiatives, dedicated more than 81,000 volunteer hours among team members, and harnessed its global network to deliver critical disaster relief to communities in need, quickly and reliably. Learn more at fedexcares.

March 10, 2026 0 comments

Community

Aboitiz Foods delivers critical aid to over 1,000 TS Basyang-affected families in Iligan

by Contributor February 18, 2026

written by Contributor

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao Del Norte—In the wake of Tropical Storm Basyang (international name: Penha), Iligan City continues to grapple with its impact, which affected more than 24,500 individuals across 21 barangays. As families started rebuilding their lives, Aboitiz Foods mobilized its relief operations to bring aid to the hardest hit communities.

On February 12, Aboitiz Foods, through its subsidiary Pilmico Foods Corporation (Pilmico), teamed up with the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ICDRRMO) to distribute essential support to more than 1,000 disaster-affected families in Barangays Ubaldo Laya and Tubod—many of whom received aid for the first time since the storm struck.

Aboitiz Foods provided food packs with rice and groceries for sustenance, hygiene kits to prevent illness, and sleeping kits for displaced families in evacuation centers.

“Iligan City has been Pilmico’s home for over 60 years. This community has grown with us, supported us, and shaped who we are today,” said Engr. Alexis Revantad, Pilmico’s Vice President for Iligan Site Management and Flour Operations, adding, “In moments like this, we stand by you, our fellow Iliganons, in your darkest hour. We are part of this community, and we are here as your partner to help rebuild our city.”

Clearing the way to recovery. Alongside essential recovery kits, Aboitiz Foods donated 1,500 sacks and water storage drums to ICDRRMO to support clearing operations–helping improve accessibility to impassable areas and ensuring that immediate assistance reaches the hardest-hit communities in Iligan.

Aside from the essential kits, Aboitiz Foods also donated water storage drums and 1,500 sacks to ICDRRMO to support the city’s clearing operations, improving accessibility to impassable areas, and delivery of immediate assistance.

Beyond logistics, Aboitiz Foods’ relief effort was powered by the bayanihan spirit of volunteers, including Pilmico team members who stepped forward to pack and distribute aid—even as some were also affected by the storm. Their efforts embody the company’s commitment to shared value and putting responsibility into action where it matters most.

On February 6, Tropical Storm Basyang brought heavy rains, causing the Tubod River to overflow and triggering massive flooding across Iligan City. The storm left five casualties, displaced hundreds of families, and destroyed nearly Php200-million worth of public infrastructure and sources of livelihood, including crops, livestock, and micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises. The impact of the disaster prompted the local government unit to declare a state of calamity.

Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao expressed his gratitude for Aboitiz Foods’ timely support, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in disaster response.

“On behalf of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the City of Iligan, we sincerely thank Aboitiz Foods, through Pilmico, for their timely relief assistance to families affected by Typhoon Basyang. Their support significantly strengthens our coordinated disaster response efforts and ensures that essential goods reach the most vulnerable communities. We value this partnership in promoting resilience and community recovery,” said Mayor Siao in a statement.

Building a more resilient future. As part of the broader Adopt-A-City program, Aboitiz Foods continues its long-standing partnership with the Iligan LGU to strengthen the city’s disaster preparedness, response, and adaptability, helping Iliganons recover and build back stronger.

Anchored on its brand promise “Together We Nourish the Future” and its core value of responsibility, Aboitiz Foods’ relief efforts are part of the broader Adopt-A-City program—a long-standing multi-stakeholder partnership with the Iligan LGU that aims to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and long-term resilience. Through this program, the company continues to work alongside local stakeholders to build safer, more adaptive communities.

As Iligan begins its journey toward recovery, Aboitiz Foods remains committed to supporting the city’s long-term resilience through the Adopt-A-City program. In times of crisis, the company’s purpose of nourishing the future extends beyond food to ensuring no community is left behind through collective action, shared responsibility, and enduring partnerships.

February 18, 2026 0 comments

News

Chiz: Ensure price stability of basic goods in typhoon-hit areas

by Contributor November 5, 2025

written by Contributor

SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero has reminded authorities to ensure that prices of basic goods and prime commodities remain stable during this critical time in the provinces severely affected by Typhoon Tino.

As the principal author of Republic Act No. 10623, which amended the law to provide protection to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic commodities during disasters and emergency situation, Escudero said prices should be closely monitored to stop the abuse and exploitation by unscrupulous merchants.

“Nakikiramay tayo sa pamilya ng mga nasawi dahil sa hagupit na hatid ng bagyong Tino. Napakabigat din ng pinsala sa mga tahanan at negosyo mula sa matinding pagbaha. Ang dasal natin ay makabangon agad ang mga apektado ng bagyo,” he said.

“Ang pinakamahalaga para sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo ay ang sapat na pagkain, gamot, at ang materyales para makumpuni ang mga nasirang bahay kaya nararapat lamang na may sapat na bilihin sa mga panahon na ito at walang gulangan pagdating sa presyo ng mga ito,” Escudero added.

RA 10623 expanded the coverage of basic necessities and prime commodities to ensure that consumers are given more protection from undue price increases during times of calamities or disasters. Basic necessities now include potable water in bottles and containers, fresh fruits, locally manufactured instant noodles, household liquefied petroleum gas, and kerosene. Livestock and fishery feeds were included in the list of prime commodities.

Under the law, price control of basic necessities is in effect for the duration of the state of calamity or emergency, but not exceeding 60 days, or in the event the President lifts the declaration earlier.

In the case of basic necessities that are wholly imported or deregulated under the existing laws, the price control will only be in effect for a maximum of 15 days. Any person who commits price manipulation, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel-like activities faces heavy penalties that include fines and imprisonment.

November 5, 2025 0 comments

News

Families of Mini Asik-Asik victims receive financial assistance

by Nova Mae Francas September 24, 2025

written by Nova Mae Francas

FAMILIES of the victims who died in the Mini Asik-Asik Falls drowning incident in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District, received assistance from the city government.

The financial assistance for funeral and burial was through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Mayor’s Office, and Lingap.

In a press release on Monday, CSWDO head Julie P. Dayaday reported that bereaved families were provided with Assistance in Crisis Situation (AICS) for financial assistance.

Meanwhile, Lingap helped cover the burial expenses, all in coordination with the City Mayor’s Office.

Dayaday said the families specifically requested funeral assistance, where the office was able to assist five families.

“As of last week, naa nata’y lima nga nahatagan og assistance kay naa man gud to’y manag-igsuon. Nakahatag ta og assistance sa ilaha labi na gyud sa ilahang request na funeral kay medyo dako pud ang amount sa funeral in coordination with the City Mayor’s Office, Lingap and CSWDO,” Dayaday said.

Each family received P5,000 in cash aid under AICS, along with food assistance.

The last missing body of a 13-year-old girl reported missing after the Asik-Asik Falls incident was recovered on Saturday morning, Sept. 20.

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported that all eight individuals reported missing after the Asik-asik Falls incident have been accounted for.

The deceased was identified as alias Akisha, a resident of County Homes Subdivision in Barangay Cabantian, Buhangin District, where her body was found along the riverbank in Purok 5, Barangay Riverside, Calinan District.

The area has already been declared a protected area, which prohibits recreational activities like swimming.

The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reiterated its advisory in 2023, prohibiting all recreational activities in the area.

MGB XI noted that tourists visiting the area are at risk of natural hazards such as rock falls, landslides, or flooding, especially during heavy rainfall.

File photo courtesy of the CSWDO

September 24, 2025 0 comments