The centuries-old Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan is partially damaged following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu, Central Philippines, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 / Credit: Santosh Digal
CNA Staff, Oct 4, 2025 / 11:15 am (CNA).
Catholic aid agencies in coordination with local dioceses and authorities are spearheading efforts to assist people affected by a major 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu, central Philippines this week.
Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian, development, and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, is at the forefront of relief efforts in the affected areas.
“In the spirit of mercy, solidarity, and fraternal cooperation among Caritas Philippines’ network, we stand with the people of Cebu,” Jeanie Curiano, the humanitarian head of Caritas Philippines, told CNA on Oct. 3.
“We are committed to supporting them, putting the affected communities at the center of our work — in rebuilding lives with dignity and hope,” she added.
On Sept. 30 a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit Cebu and surrounding provinces. Its epicenter was located 19 kilometers northeast, offshore of Bogo City.
More than 300 recorded aftershocks were felt. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology subsequently issued a tsunami alert.
The Office of Civil Defense confirmed as many as 68 deaths following the earthquake.
The earthquake has reportedly impacted more than 80,595 families and around 366,360 people, with aftershocks forcing many to sleep outside in unsafe conditions. Homes, schools, and parish buildings in Cebu have suffered severe damage, with electricity, water supply, and telecoms still unavailable.
There were reportedly 1,795 individuals staying in eight evacuation centers, while 75,227 others were temporarily staying outside of their homes due to fear of aftershocks.
Caritas Philippines has begun relief efforts, sending rice, drinking water, and shelter repair kits, while rapid assessment teams coordinate next steps.
According to the volcano institute, the earthquake in Bogo City is the strongest ever recorded in northern Cebu. It has affected 47,221 families and displaced 20,000 individuals there, Philippine officials said.
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, meanwhile, reported the discovery of sinkholes in several locations.
Churches damaged or collapsed
The earthquake partially collapsed or damaged at least five churches in Cebu.
Parts of the centuries-old Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan fell during the earthquake. Notably, the retablo picture of Santa Rosa de Lima, the city’s patron saint, was completely unharmed.
The Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol Church on Bantayan Island urged people to stay away from its property after debris fell in front of the church.
Some of the walls and ceilings in St. Martin de Porres Parish at Tabogon fell, while the earthquake broke an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and made cracks appear in the bell tower of San Sebastian Martyr Parish in Borbon.
The San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San Remegio reported that several holy images have fallen, and there is clear damage inside the church.
Archbishop Alberto Sy Uy of Cebu instructed his staff to inspect the structures of churches and rectories. He also instructed parishes in northern Cebu to refrain from holding Mass in the churches until they are considered safe.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, Caritas Philippines in Manila, the country’s capital, quickly activated the Emergency Operations Center at the national level and has been monitoring the ongoing situation in Cebu and nearby dioceses. Caritas Cebu deployed an assessment team to the most affected areas, awaiting initial findings and data.
Immediate needs
Immediate needs include emergency shelter, food and clean water, medical aid and trauma support, restoration of electricity and communication, debris clearing, and road access.
On Oct. 1, Archbishop Uy visited the affected communities to provide pastoral support and check damage to parish structures. A local appeal was issued for emergency support through the Adopt-a-Parish strategy. Other dioceses also launched local appeals to support response operations.
Caritas Philippines is preparing to launch a local emergency appeal through the Alay Kapwa Solidarity Fund, a flagship program of Caritas Philippines, to support the immediate needs of the most affected communities in Cebu.
Laity’s involvement
Besides Caritas Philippines’ involvement with relief, the Commission on the Laity of the Archdiocese of Cebu has begun providing immediate help like food, water, and hygiene kits, among others.
Fe Mantuhac Barino, who chairs the Commission on the Laity for the Archdiocese of Cebu, told CNA: “People’s donations have been delivered to the earthquake-affected families in the north of Cebu, bringing not just material support but also the comforting presence of our faith community.”
She thanked all supporters for living out the Gospel through their generosity.
Appeal for donations
The Archdiocese of Cebu, in partnership with LH Foundation Inc., launched “Hatag Paglaum” (Give Hope) to provide humanitarian aid.
“The Hatag Paglaum invites us to become living instruments of Christ’s love,” said Uy. “After the earthquake, many brothers and sisters have lost homes, churches, and livelihoods. What they need most is hope.”
“When we give help, we do not just share food, clothing, or money; we share Christ himself, for he is our true hope,” he added. “Every gift we extend becomes a sign of His presence, reminding the needy that they are not forgotten and that God walks with them.”
On Oct. 2, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited some affected areas of Cebu and held discussions with government agencies.
Pope prays for Cebu quake victims.
Also on Oct. 2, Cebu Archbishop Uy said that Pope Leo XIV prayed and offered his condolences to the victims.
Leo also assured his spiritual closeness to people as they grieve over the loss of lives and move on to recovery.
Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown informed Uy that the pope expressed his “sympathies for all the survivors of the earthquake and his prayers for the eternal repose of the victims.”
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has announced a “National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance” to be observed nationwide on Oct. 7.
