Building on its year-end relief initiatives, Task Force Padayon Cebu, led by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), kicked off the new year by rolling out the second wave of relief assistance for families affected by the September 30 earthquake—this time reaching Barangay Gaway-Gaway, San Remigio, Northern Cebu.
The relief operation benefited more than 1,700 residents across seven (7) puroks, with over 400 households receiving essential supplies to address immediate needs as families continue rebuilding their homes and livelihoods. Distributed items included food packs, trapal (nylon canvas) sheets, sleeping mats, and jerry cans.
To ensure assistance was responsive to on-the-ground needs, distribution was organized per purok:
· Puroks Adelfa, Bombil, and Orchid received 186 food packs with 6 ft x 10 ft nylon canvass (trapal sheets)
· Puroks Gumamela, Rose, and Rosal received 207 food packs with Uratex sleeping mats
· Purok Santan received 96 food packs with IL jerry cans
Local officials, led by San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez and Barangay Captain Hon. Johns Anthony Dela Cruz, were present during the activity and expressed their appreciation to CCCI and its partners for the continued support extended to earthquake-affected families.
While the relief drive was originally planned shortly after the earthquake, its implementation was delayed due to successive calamities that affected the province. Despite these challenges, CCCI remained committed to following through on its response, reinforcing the role of the business community not only as an economic driver but also as an active partner in disaster response, advocacy, and community recovery.
The earthquake response and relief operations were made possible through the generous support of numerous individuals, organizations, and partner institutions. Key donors included:
PP Melanie Ng; PP Charles Kenneth Co; PP Tess Chan; PP Prudencio Gesta; Jose Enrico Gandionco; Ciriaco Jr. Santos; Juffer Denn Bornales-Narisma; Larry de Vera; Bethlehem Zabala; Jasper Q. Canda; Maria Hazel Peri; Marlon Ceniza; Golden Prince Hotel & Suites; Philippine Franchise Association Inc.; New Datche Philippines Traders Corporation; Cebu Progress Marketing; Foxcon Total Solutions Inc.; Converge Information and Communications Technology; Central West Medicale Inc.
Additional support was extended by business and civic groups such as Cebu Online News Press (CONPC); Cebu Business Park; Isla Lipana & Co.; Alta Vista; Eastern Communications; and various local chambers, including the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Contributions also came from multiple Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) chapters, including Tutuban, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, McKinley Hills, Sindalan San Fernando, and the PCCI Baguio Banquet Chapter, as well as donors and partners from Angeles, Guagua, San Fernando (JASA), and Cebu.
Their collective generosity significantly strengthened relief efforts and underscored a shared commitment to supporting affected communities during the aftermath of the earthquake.
CCCI likewise extends its sincere thanks to Decoline and Prime Movers Total Logistics for providing vehicles and logistical support that ensured the smooth and efficient delivery of relief goods to the community.
Task Force Padayon Cebu is a multi-sectoral coalition composed of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Visayas (PCCI Visayas), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, City of Talisay CCI, PCCI Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Contractors Association, the Philippine Red Cross, Rotary Clubs of Cebu, HRRACI, and other business and sectoral partners across Cebu.
With the continued support of the private sector and civil society, communities in Barangay Gaway-Gaway, San Remigio, and other parts of Northern Cebu enter the new year with renewed strength and determination on their path toward recovery and long-term resilience.
