Bangon North Cebu: A Symphony of Compassion and Courage

On September 30, 2025, at exactly 9:59 PM, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the Visayas region — the strongest ever recorded in Northern Cebu, and the deadliest in the country since 2013. The quake’s epicenter, traced to the Bogo Bay Fault, left a trail of devastation: homes reduced to rubble, churches and hospitals crumbled, and lives forever changed. With over 70 lives lost, hundreds injured, and billions in infrastructure damage, the earthquake tested not just the strength of structures, but the strength of the human spirit.

And yet, amidst the destruction, hope rose swiftly — powered by compassion, faith, and service.

Rotary’s Immediate Response: “Bangon Cebu”

True to his calling of servant leadership, District Governor Jong Fernandez wasted no time. Within hours, he set into motion BANGON CEBU — a united call for action, compassion, and collaboration under Rotary District 3860 Disaster Management, Inc. The call resonated instantly.

Clubs across Cebu and beyond rallied together. Messages poured in. Donations streamed through. Rotarians mobilized — connecting with friends, suppliers, partners, and fellow Rotarians all over the Philippines and even abroad. Everyone wanted to help. Everyone wanted to heal.

Under the coordination of the Cebu Provincial Government, key needs were swiftly identified:

• Trapal (tarpaulins/shelter materials)

• Purifying systems and water filters

• Water supply

  
  

Director Bernard Von Sia of the District Disaster Management team immediately conducted a ground needs assessment in Bogo City and Northern Cebu, ensuring that every relief effort responded directly to what communities truly needed.

Despite logistical challenges — damaged roads, limited manpower, and disrupted local offices — Rotary’s network came alive. What seemed impossible became organized, with the Emergency Operations Center and relief distribution rapidly activated.

The Heart of Service Above Self

Rotary’s drop-off center at Fuente Osmeña Circle became a gathering point of kindness. From early morning to late evening, volunteers came — arms filled with food packs, bottled water, tarpaulins, and love. Strangers became friends. Tears and prayers were shared. Every can of goods, every water bottle, every peso given carried the same message: “You are not alone.”

Among those who came was a quiet figure — masked, disheveled, and carrying a sack. He stepped forward, handed over ₱19, and left without saying a word. It was perhaps all he had, but he gave it anyway. That small act of selfless generosity became a symbol of what Service Above Self truly means — that compassion is never measured by the amount given, but by the love with which it is offered.

To those who braved the roads to deliver goods, to those who opened their hearts and homes, and to those who simply prayed and believed, your compassion illuminated even the darkest corners of this tragedy.

Indeed, Rotary once again walked the talk of “Service Above Self.”

A Call That Echoes Beyond the Rubble

As the aftershocks continue, so does the call to rebuild — not just homes, but hope.

Let us continue to stand together for our brothers and sisters in Northern Cebu. Because when hearts unite, no earthquake can shake the strength of compassion.

Bangon North Cebu.Together, we rise — stronger, kinder, and ever more determined to serve.

Written by: Dr. Maricel Borromeo-Amores, Past Asst. Governor | District Action Plan Officer