By Helen Castaño | 07:30 PM June 08, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — The Bohol Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened a special meeting on Monday, June 8, led by acting Governor Nick Besas, following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.
The strong earthquake prompted the provincial government to approve financial assistance and emergency response deployment to affected areas.
During the meeting, the PDRRMC approved a resolution authorizing the release of financial aid from the provincial government of Bohol: P2 million for General Santos City, P1.5 million for Sarangani, and P1.5 million for South Cotabato.
The council also approved the deployment of two six-member Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) teams to assist ongoing emergency operations in Sarangani and General Santos City. The teams are scheduled to depart on Tuesday, June 9.
In addition, the provincial government will launch a donation drive to allow Bol-anons to extend help and show solidarity with communities affected by the disaster.
Present during the meeting were acting provincial administrator Handel Lagunay, Governor’s Office Chief of Staff Filipina Piollo, Board Members Jamie Aumentado-Villamor and Dionisio Joseph Balita, as well as representatives from various provincial offices including Several government offices and agencies took part in the special meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), along with key partner institutions involved in disaster response.
Among the provincial offices present were the Office of Provincial Social Welfare and Development, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Budget Management Office, Provincial Engineering Office, and Provincial Youth Development Office.
Member agencies of the PDRRMC also joined the coordination meeting, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, and the Philippine Red Cross.
WE STAND WITH MINDANAO
In a separate statement, Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado expressed sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the earthquake.
“‘It is heartbreaking to see the devastation caused by the earthquake experienced by our friends in Mindanao, especially in its southern areas,’” Aumentado said.
“‘The strong magnitude 7.8 earthquake not only frightened communities but also caused damage to infrastructure and left many people traumatized,’” he added.
He stressed that Bohol stands firmly with the people of Mindanao during this difficult time.
“‘The Province of Bohol stands with our beloved brothers and sisters in Mindanao who are now facing a great challenge,’” he said.
“‘We pray that they will rise again, and we remain ready to help, to stand with them, and to work alongside them,’” Aumentado added.
He concluded by emphasizing national unity in times of disaster.
“‘We are one people. We are one nation united, even in times of pain and tragedy.’”
