Beyond relief: Rebuilding after Sarangani quake

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jun 10, 2026 12:05 am

In the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani, the nation's foremost concern must be the welfare of the thousands of families whose lives have been disrupted by this devastating disaster. Beyond the tremors that rattled communities lies a more enduring challenge: ensuring that affected residents receive not only immediate relief but also sustained support as they rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and futures.

Natural calamities often leave behind more than damaged structures. They create uncertainty, displace families, interrupt livelihoods, and place vulnerable communities at greater risk. In such moments, the speed and effectiveness of the government's response can make a significant difference in alleviating human suffering. Immediate assistance is not merely an act of compassion; it is a fundamental responsibility of the government.

It is therefore encouraging to see public institutions respond swiftly following President Ferdinand Marcos’ directive for government agencies to provide immediate assistance to communities affected by the earthquake. The prompt mobilization of resources reflects an understanding of the urgency of the situation and the need to address the immediate needs of affected families.

Among the first to answer the call was the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which quickly coordinated with its Authorized Agent Corporations in Mindanao to deliver ready-to-eat meals and food supplies to affected residents. PCSO General Manager Mel Robles aptly emphasized that public service is most meaningful in times of dire need, which was underscored in the rapid deployment of relief support.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development likewise moved promptly by activating disaster response mechanisms and directing field offices to coordinate closely with affected local government units. Under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the department has taken the necessary steps to ensure that relief assets are available for families requiring immediate assistance.

Equally important is the assurance provided by the Department of Budget and Management that sufficient resources remain available through the Quick Response Fund and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund. Effective disaster response depends not only on good intentions but also on the availability of funding to support rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts.

The expressions of sympathy and support from foreign embassies, including those of France, China, Israel, Japan, and the United States, are likewise welcome reminders of the solidarity extended by the international community during times of hardship.

While these immediate responses merit commendation, the larger task lies ahead. Relief operations are only the first phase of recovery. Once emergency needs have been addressed, government attention must turn toward restoring livelihoods and rebuilding communities. Livelihood grants, cash-for-work programs, skills training, access to credit, housing rehabilitation, and infrastructure reconstruction should form part of a comprehensive recovery strategy.

The private sector also has an indispensable role to play. Beyond charitable donations, businesses can contribute through employment opportunities, community rebuilding initiatives, scholarship programs, and investments that stimulate local economic recovery. Public-private cooperation can significantly accelerate the rehabilitation process.

And the bayanihan spirit should come into play here. Every Filipino has a role in easing the burden borne by earthquake victims. Whether through donations, volunteerism, community initiatives, or other forms of assistance, citizens can help reinforce the spirit of solidarity that has long defined the nation in times of adversity.

Disasters test the resilience of a people and the responsiveness of their institutions. The swift actions taken by government agencies, supported by private organizations, international partners, and concerned citizens, deserve recognition. Yet the true measure of success will not be found in the speed of relief delivery alone, but in the nation's ability to help affected families rebuild their lives with dignity, security, and hope for the future.

Sunken cargo vessel triggers oil spill cleanup

By Philippine News Agency

Published Jun 9, 2026 09:50 pm

LCT MSCI 1 (FB)

LAOAG CITY – Uniformed personnel, government workers, and volunteers placed absorbent pads and spill booms on Tuesday to contain an oil spill after a cargo vessel ran aground along the shoreline of Barangay La Virgen Milagrosa in Badoc, Ilocos Norte.

Following a meeting with the multiagency oil spill response team – composed of the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Marines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the local government of Badoc – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Victor Dabalos instructed the ship manager of the sunken MSCI 1 to close the engine leak by all means possible to prevent further damage to fisherfolk livelihoods and marine biodiversity.

The vessel came from Omnico Port in Currimao town with a legal transport permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Dabalos said.

"The vessel was en route to Calayan in Cagayan province carrying aggregates when it had an emergency beaching amid bad weather on June 8, 2026, along the Badoc shoreline," Dabalos said in a phone interview.

He said the oil spill was traced to an engine leak while the vessel's reserve oil remained fully sealed.

A general coastal cleanup drive is ongoing to clear debris near the sunken ship.

Dabalos said the DENR is facilitating debris management, conducting ground validation of affected coastal resources and habitats and coordinating with agencies to monitor oil spill impacts. (PNA)

Podium bid in jeopardy as Alas Pilipinas bows to South Korea

By Mark Rey Montejo

Published Jun 9, 2026 05:29 pm | Updated Jun 10, 2026 10:03 am

At A Glance

• Alas Pilipinas overcame a sluggish start in the opening two sets and showed signs of life in the third, but ultimately fell to South Korea, 16-25, 18-25, 22-25, to absorb its second loss in the 2026 AVC Women's Volleyball Cup at the Candon City Arena Tuesday, June 9.

Alas Pilipinas (AVC)

CANDON CITY — Almost, but not quiet enough.

Alas Pilipinas overcame a sluggish start in the opening two sets and showed signs of life in the third, but ultimately fell to South Korea, 16-25, 18-25, 22-25, to absorb its second loss in the 2026 AVC Women's Volleyball Cup at the Candon City Arena Tuesday, June 9.

Fresh off a three-set win over Kyrgyzstan, the Nationals seemed to lose steam yet found ways to improve their showing with Thea Gagate, Niña Ytang, Alyssa Solomon, and skipper Alyssa Valdez spearheading the Filipina hitters’ counter to capture a 19-16 lead.

However, the Filipina spikers stumbled into crucial errors that South Korea took advantage of through an 8-0 blitz led by captain Sohwi Kang, to close out in straight sets.

With the loss, the Nationals dropped to 2-2 and put themselves in a crucial position as they must win their last Pool A game against Chinese Taipei if they wished to qualify in the semifinal.

South Korea remained unblemished at No. 1 with a 3-0 card to share the lead with Taipei. It also joins Pool B leaders in reigning champion Vietnam (3-0) and Kazakhstan (3-0) as remaining undefeated teams in the continental tiff.

A win by the Koreans over the Taiwanese or Australia beating South Korea would also help the host country’s semis bid.

If not, the Filipinas would lose their chance of improving their previous performance in the last two editions, and would be relegated to the classification round.

Outside hitter Kang impressed for the Korean side with 19 points off 15 attacks, one block, and three aces, while Juah Lee and Hyunsoo Na combined for 24 points. Yelim Lee and Dahyeon Lee also shone with seven points each.

Gagate topped Alas’ scoring anew after listing nine points on five spikes, three blocks, and one ace, while Ytang added eight points. Valdez and Solomon scored seven which all went down the drain.

In the evening games, Australia regained its win form after beating Kyrgyzstan, 25-15, 25-27, 25-16, 25-23, while Indonesia blanked Hong Kong, 25-20, 27-25, 25-14.

Thalía, Sandara Park, Tay Tawan among int'l stars sending love to Pinoys after devastating Mindanao quake

By Neil Ramos

Published Jun 9, 2026 10:29 am

At A Glance

• International stars are showing support for Filipinos affected by the recent Mindanao earthquake. Sandara Park, Thalía, and Thai actor Tay Tawan shared heartfelt messages of solidarity, prayers, and encouragement as communities continue recovery efforts following the powerful quake.

In the wake of the powerful earthquake that struck Mindanao this week, several international celebrities have taken to social media to express concern and solidarity with affected communities.

Among them was South Korean singer and actress Sandara Park, whose ties to the Philippines stretch back to the beginning of her entertainment career.

he former 2NE1 member shared a message on Instagram, saying her thoughts were with those impacted by the disaster.

"My heart goes out to everyone affected by the earthquake in Mindanao," Sandara wrote, adding that the region continues to hold special meaning for her because of the kindness and support she experienced there during her time in the Philippines.  

She also offered prayers for the safety and recovery of residents facing the aftermath of the quake.

Mexican music icon Thalía likewise reached out to Filipinos through a post on X, expressing sadness over the tragedy.

"Philippines, I'm deeply saddened by the news of the earthquake. Keeping everyone affected in my thoughts and prayers, and sending love, strength, and light during this difficult time," the singer wrote.

Another message came from Thai actor Tawan Vihokratana, more popularly known as Tay, who addressed Filipinos directly in a post written in Filipino.

"Sa ating mga kaibigang Pilipino, nabalitaan ko ang tungkol sa lindol at nais ko pong ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong suporta at panalangin para sa inyong kaligtasan. Ingat po kayong lahat," he said.

The messages appeared as rescue and recovery efforts continued across parts of Mindanao following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani on June 8.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the quake originated along the Cotabato Trench, a major tectonic feature in southern Philippines. The earthquake caused fatalities, damaged infrastructure, and prompted tsunami warnings in several coastal areas.

While government agencies and humanitarian groups continue their response efforts, messages from celebrities abroad have added to the growing wave of support being extended to affected Filipinos.

How do I find and succeed in marriage with a Filipina?

 

Ronna Lou

 

 · 

Following

Matchmaking Consultant at Philippine-Women.Com

Okay, let’s start with the first step: how to meet and start dating a Filipina.

My advice is always for guys to go to the Philippines. Unless you know the people in your closest Filipino community, your best bet is to actually travel to the country and put yourself in a position to meet the local ladies. Online dating will only take you so far.

Next, you have to look past the stereotypes. Relying on what you know from the internet or from popular media will not help you when you realize that not all Filipinas are the same. Yes, having general knowledge will give you a place to start, but successfully dating a Filipina means getting to know that specific woman based on who she is and not just on her being from a certain country.

So, how do you find a Filipina wife?

• Go to the Philippines.
• If you want to do online dating first, make sure to avoid scammers.
• Go beyond stereotypes.

Marrying a Filipina is just an extension of all that. It also means dealing with the reality of having a Filipina wife (something even my husband took years to truly grasp! haha).

Key things to keep in mind:

• Family is VERY IMPORTANT for Filipinas. If you want to marry a woman from the Philippines, prepare to have a huge (and often busybody) family.
• If she wants to settle down in the Philippines, make sure you’re comfortable with the idea of living in the country.
• If she’s open to moving to your home country, make sure you’re prepared to help her adjust.
• As with any interracial marriage, you need to find a way to deal with the cultural differences (especially in things like lifestyle, food, and long-term goals).
• Even though Filipinos are good at English, the language barrier can still surprise you even years into your relationship.
• If you’re planning to have kids, your wife being a Filipina will also be a HUGE factor. Be prepared for that too.

Sharing here a photo of me (Filipina) and my husband (American) during our second wedding, and another photo of a former client (Danny, from Singapore) with his wife Marilyn (also a Filipina):

What are your top 7 rules of life?

 

Don't think too much. Keep working. Over thinking results in nothing but stress and wastage of time.

Hangout with people who have the same interests/goals as yours. If not offline go online. Hangout doesn't literally mean “hangout”. I mean spend most of your time with them 😂

If you are feeling lonely seek help from your parents.

Don't compare yourself with others. Your body will never look like Kardashian's or Brad Pitt's. Accept it.

Get some Sun everyday. It will keep you going throughout the day. Staying in a dark room the whole day will reduce your productivity heavily.

Maintain a gratitude journal in your unhappy times. It works like magic! Trust me!

And the last one— stay happy buddy! Life is too short!

‘Magellan’: A voyage of discovery

Ferdinand S. Topacio - The Philippine Star 

June 9, 2026 | 12:00am

‘Magellan’ is proof of what can be achieved by the Filipino filmmaker given enough talent, motivation and budget. It is world-class cinema standing as a beacon of hope in a sea of third-rate commercialized efforts. It stars noted Mexican actor Gael García Bernal in the title role, and the dialogue is in Portuguese.  

The greatest tragedy of “Magellan” (the 2025 movie, not the Portuguese explorer) is that very few Filipinos will see it, and even fewer will appreciate it. It is a tragedy shared by the good and the great of Filipino Cinema: their works wither and die in a cultural wasteland populated by slapstick, soft porn, toilet humor and the trite.

Director Lav Diaz’s latest opus is so far his highest-budgeted, most international film (it stars noted Mexican actor Gael García Bernal in the title role, and the dialogue is in Portuguese) and — for someone known for nine-hour movies — the shortest, with a running time of “only” two hours and 40 minutes. Nonetheless, it is still not for the average Filipino: its slow cinema approach (with its deliberate and contemplative pacing) and tableau vivant cinematography (where the camera is mostly static) do not lend themselves well to casual viewing: its dark noir theme, foreboding atmosphere and heavy anti-imperialist message are verily not for escapism.   

Those initiated into slow cinema, however, will be rewarded for their patience with an experience that is both sublime and psychedelic, opening their minds to certain hypotheses hitherto unthought of even by those who are already familiar with Magellan’s life.

The first treat comes with the aforementioned tableau vivant style, actually the most primitive of film photography, harking back to Lumière Studio’s first films. In “Magellan,” Lav (who shares cinematography credits with the Catalan Artur Tort) makes very good use of the style to compose sequences of stunning beauty, every frame looking like a Dramatic Renaissance painting, very appropriate for the film’s period setting (1500s).   

‘Magellan,’ the latest opus of director Lav Diaz (pictured at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival), is so far his highest-budgeted, most international film and — for someone known for nine-hour movies — the shortest, with a running time of ‘only’ two hours and 40 minutes.

The movie starts in medias res, with a Malayan woman running in terror from the shore at the sight of Europeans. It was 1511, and Magellan was part of an expedition to conquer Malacca (now Malaysia). The next scene is that of a seashore littered with the dead bodies of both conquistadores and native warriors, showing the ugliness of colonial conquest early on.

In fact, the movie is both a deep introspective study of the titular character and an exposition of the malevolence of European colonialism. There are no “moments of glory” sequences here, no depiction of heroism on Magellan’s part. Au contraire, the protagonist is portrayed as a seriously flawed person whose motivation for the conquest of lands in the East Indies is primarily for money, with the “saving of souls” not his priority (“More wealth for us, halting the Muslim commerce, more Christian conversions, nullify Venice.”).

Magellan is shown not as the brave, risk-taking demigod of high school history books, but as someone who is not only very human but ruthless, scheming and downright remorseless. He gets an erection when his nurse (Beatriz, whom he eventually marries) gives his injured leg a massage; he treats simple insubordination as treason and strands those responsible on a desolate island; he tries to induce a priest to break the seal of the confessional. He tries to feign concern when the widows of those who died in the Malaccan campaign, all dressed in black mourning garb, meet him on a shore (in a scene chillingly reminiscent of an Ingmar Bergman movie), while showing indifference in the next scene to the fate of those whom he has led to their deaths.

It is a difficult movie to watch, replete as it is with gut-wrenching scenes. Natives of Malacca put into slavery in makeshift cages, crying mournfully for their gods to save them; women and children wailing as the colonizers put their native idols to the flame; the deglamorized scenes of conquistadors in their tattered clothes and diseased bodies trudging through the jungle: all these and many more will sear themselves into the viewers’ brains.

𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗖𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗘𝗕𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗢𝗦: 𝗡𝗢 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗠 𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦

 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗖𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗘𝗕𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗢𝗦: 𝗡𝗢 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗠 𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦

LOOK: The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) has clarified that no earthquake swarm has been detected on Cebu Island, despite several minor earthquakes recently recorded in parts of the province, including Lapu-Lapu City.

Engr. Robinson Jorgio, director of the Visayas Cluster Monitoring Center for Earthquake and Tsunami of DOST-PHIVOLCS, explained that an earthquake swarm refers to a series of numerous earthquakes occurring within a localized area over a relatively short period without a single dominant mainshock. Such activity may continue for days, weeks, or even months before eventually subsiding.

Jorgio said that even before the recent earthquake that affected Mindanao on Monday, June 8, caused by movement along the Cotabato Trench, PHIVOLCS had already been observing minor seismic activity in the area since January.

He added that a similar pattern was observed in northern Cebu beginning in April 2025, when a series of minor earthquakes preceded the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck on September 30 of the same year.

PHIVOLCS-Cebu is also continuing to monitor aftershocks associated with the Bogo Bay Fault through temporary seismic monitoring stations deployed across northern Cebu. According to Jorgio, the agency is maximizing its available instruments to closely track seismic activity in the area.

While several minor earthquakes have been recorded in Lapu-Lapu City in recent months, Jorgio emphasized that these events have not been persistent and do not indicate the presence of an earthquake swarm.

He also encouraged the public to consult hazard maps to better understand the risks in their communities and to help guide disaster preparedness efforts.

Meanwhile, PHIVOLCS continues to train local government units (LGUs) in the use of the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS), a tool designed to estimate the potential impacts of earthquakes in specific areas.

Jorgio said the agency remains in close coordination with LGUs to strengthen disaster preparedness, risk assessment, and response planning initiatives.

| Mark Armas

#MyTVCebu

#MyTVNewsUpdate

#Earthquake #Swarm

#PHIVOLCS

See less

All reactions:

360360

Mindanao quake death toll rises to 38; Tent city eyed

Renalyn Ramirez - Philstar.com

June 9, 2026 | 11:07am

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 7:08 p.m.) — The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani in Mindanao rose to 38 as of Tuesday late afternoon, June 9, the Office of Civil Defense said.

OCD data as of 6 a.m. recorded 37 deaths, with 33 in Region 12 and four in Region 11. Most of the fatalities were caused by falling debris, Civil Defense spokesperson Junie Castillo said in an early Tuesday interview on GMA News' "Unang Balita."   

In Region 12 alone, 456 people were injured while four remained missing, based on initial reports.

"There are four who are still missing, but again, this is initial data because we are looking at reports from families or from people looking for someone," Castillo said in Filipino.

A total of 77,186 people, or 17,689 families, were affected by the earthquake.

Damage to roads, bridges, homes

Castillo said nine bridges collapsed and 19 roads were damaged in Region 12 alone, with infrastructure damage estimated at around P900 million.

At least 1,889 houses were also damaged, including about 1,500 that were totally destroyed.

Castillo said it was still unclear how long recovery and rehabilitation would take because of the severity of the damage.

"On recovery and rehabilitation in terms of infrastructure, the damage was severe. We can see in images that many buildings collapsed. Even if some did not totally collapse, we can see that they were still heavily damaged and are unusable," Castillo said.

Response

Search, rescue and retrieval operations are focused mainly on the hardest-hit areas of General Santos City and Sarangani, although Castillo said responders have also been deployed to other quake-affected areas.

General Santos City was placed under a state of calamity on Monday.

Castillo said the OCD had not received reports of isolated barangays or communities so far.

"We have not received reports of isolated barangays, although we have seen damaged bridges and roads," Castillo said.

Food, non-food items and water supplies placed in accessible areas remain sufficient for now, Castillo said.

The OCD has also sent fuel supplies and generators to hospitals as power transmission lines have yet to be restored.

General Santos Airport was also damaged, forcing flights to be canceled or rerouted. Castillo said government officials visiting affected areas had to travel by land or take a helicopter from Davao City to General Santos City.

The OCD is also planning to set up a tent city for residents who have been sleeping by the roadside because they cannot yet return to their homes due to damage, fear and aftershocks.

"We are looking at putting up one tent city. In this situation, especially with aftershocks, our fellow Filipinos cannot immediately return to their homes, so they are staying in open spaces," Castillo said.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Freedom of information (FOI) is a fundamental democratic right that allows citizens to access records, transactions, and operational data held by government bodies. In the Philippines, this mechanism promotes transparency, prevents corruption, and empowers public participation in governance

Freedom of information is freedom of a person or people to publish and consume information. Access to information is the ability for an individual to seek, receive and impart information effectively.

Every Filipino shall have access to information, official records, public records and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development.

I have loved writing for almost 50 years now for several publications all around the world. I started my first simple article for a high school paper. In a recently published article I learned that the stark reality is, that everyone is a writer. In all likelihood, we face a blank sheet every single day – a new slat, so to speak, where we, good (?) writers, bad (?) writers, writers-by-heart or by profession, and non-writers jot down to our agendas, our goals, our itineraries, our repertoire, our life… .

 Of course, every new page marks a beginning, a fresh start. We have the choice of writing down what is expected of us or we can challenge ourselves to turn a new leaf and write down something that is completely new.

How is it in the Philippines? Here is the thing: the freedom of information and expression has indeed a thin line between maligning people’s reputation and extortion. Telling the truth sometimes throws one into hot water or lets one dance on eggs. When it comes to journalism, one sees the three “C”s, the fundamental factors: catastrophes, crime and crisis.

Apropos journalists: I enjoy reading the news, that journalism and mass communication graduates OR ANYONE who wants to join the media industry can do so if they will pass the examination to be given under the proposed “Magna Carta for Journalists”. Under the proposed magna carta, journalists will be classified as accredited and non-accredited.

Yes, writing with a wicked pen and having a sharp tongue doesn’t mean that a journalist should walk disrespectfully through others’ lives. On the other hand, it’s a journalist’s duty to uncover, disclose or reveal, what the public should know. Indeed, eternal vigilance is important, even with a wicked pen and a sharp tongue. Freedom of information and expression – but with borderlines… .