Don Bosco FIS Brings Hope to Earthquake Victims in Northern Cebu
by: CYM correspondence
In response to the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Northern Cebu on September 30, 2025, the Don Bosco Philippines–South Province (FIS) launched a relief and donation drive to assist thousands of affected families.
The powerful quake claimed 72 lives, injured 1,062 people, and displaced over 192,489 families. Homes, schools, and churches sustained extensive damage, leaving communities in urgent need of help.
With the support of Salesians, lay mission partners, Salesian youth, volunteers, donors, and benefactors, the province prepared and delivered hundreds of sacks of rice, food packs, and relief goods. On October 8, 2025, a team of twelve traveled to five parishes in Northern Cebu to distribute aid and extend financial assistance amounting to ₱50,000 per parish to support local relief and rebuilding efforts. The first batch of relief distribution reached the following parishes:
- San Isidro Labrador Parish (Tabogon)
- St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish (Medellin)
- San Isidro Labrador Parish (Daanbantayan)
- San Juan Nepomuceno Parish (San Remigio)
- St. Martin de Porres Parish (Ilihan, Tabogon)
The operation was coordinated through the Don Bosco Disaster Intervention, Response, and Emergency Coordinating Team (DB DIRECT), with the Commission on Mission Office in Punta Princesa, Cebu serving as the central hub.
The province continues to accept donations in cash and in kind to sustain its ongoing relief operations.
Fr. Amelito Narciso D. Racelis, SDB, FIS Provincial Superior, shared this message:
“May God keep our team safe and reward all the generous people who sent their donations through us in cash or in kind. May the Good Lord have mercy on His people and continue to send help to the victims and all those affected and displaced by this disaster.”
As Don Bosco FIS continues its mission of compassion, the province remains steadfast in its commitment to bring the comfort of faith and the gift of solidarity to those most in need, reminding everyone that even in the midst of tragedy, charity and hope can rebuild lives.
