BOHOL — The Provincial Government of Bohol is swiftly mobilizing help for earthquake-devastated communities in Mindanao. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council convened a special meeting on June 8, 2026, hours after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the SOCCSKSARGEN region. Vice Governor Nick Besas presided over the session, which brought together provincial offices, national agencies, and humanitarian organizations to coordinate an immediate response.
The council approved the deployment of two Search, Rescue, and Retrieval teams. PDRRMO head Anthony Damalerio confirmed that one team of five rescue personnel and a driver will be assigned to Sarangani province, while another team of equal composition will go to General Santos City. Both teams were scheduled to depart on June 9. The Provincial Health Office was also tasked to organize a medical team for possible deployment to affected areas.
Financial Aid and a Province-Wide Donation Drive
Provincial Budget and Management Officer Peter Retutal presented the proposed financial assistance package during the meeting. The council recommended releasing P2 million for General Santos City, P1.5 million for Sarangani province, and P1.5 million for South Cotabato from the province's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund. The funds will support urgent relief and recovery operations in the hardest-hit communities.
Beyond the cash assistance, the provincial government will launch a donation drive for Bol-anons to contribute directly to affected families. The initiative channels the spirit of bayanihan into tangible support, allowing ordinary Boholanos to participate in the relief effort. The combined approach—government-funded aid and community-driven donations—ensures both immediate impact and sustained solidarity.
Governor Aumentado's Message of Solidarity
Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, who is currently in Canada with other governors for Governance for Climate and Disaster Resilience activities, expressed deep sympathy for the victims. "Makasubo ang nakita nato nga trahedya mahitungod sa pagtay-og sa yuta nga nasinati sa atong mga higala sa Mindanao," he said, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking.
Aumentado assured Mindanao that Bohol stands firmly with them. "Kita sa Probinsiya sa Bohol, nibarog kuyog sa mga pinalangga natong mga Mindanawon. Ato silang i-ampo nga makatindog pag-usab, ug kita kanunay'ng andam nga mutabang," he added. His message, delivered across continents, reinforced the province's unwavering commitment to helping its neighbors recover and rebuild.
A Neighborly Response Built on Shared Experience
Bohol's swift mobilization reflects a deep understanding of the pain and urgency that follow a major earthquake. The province itself endured a devastating tremor in 2013 and received an outpouring of support from across the country. Now, it is returning that compassion with action. The coordinated deployment of rescue teams, medical personnel, and financial resources demonstrates how local governments can serve as first responders beyond their borders. For the people of General Santos, Sarangani, and South Cotabato, the assistance arriving from Bohol is a powerful reminder that they are not alone.
